A rotten branch fell on Andrew Berry’s home in east Fort Worth about 10 years ago. It poked through his roof, and rendered his kitchen useless. He was disabled and living on a fixed-income, so he could not get the damages repaired. A neighbor then referred Berry’s case to Fort Worth’s priority repair program.
Berry was left with a roof that had been repaired, an updated kitchen, and new water heater, HVAC, and shower. The city spent $22,700 to repair Berry’s house. He has now started to repair his floors that were damaged by water on his own.
Berry stated, “I am very proud of what [they] did.” They still keep an eye on me and have my documents and everything else in case. They told me that if anything went wrong I should just call them.”
In 2009, the city launched a priority repair program using funding from federal grants through Community Development Block Grants. The program was able to only spend about $5,000 on each home since 2009.
Gyna Bivens of District 5, who represents the east side of Fort Worth, stated that the funding for the applicants did not keep up with the normal pace at which this program covers repairs. I lobbied to raise the amount from $5,000 to any higher number.
Priority now is to use the additional local funding of $2 million dollars in order to match federal grants of $2 million.
The budget for the repair program has increased by twofold. Repair budgets for each house are now five times more expensive, totalling $25,000 John Cain who heads the Priority Repair Program said that contractors are now able to complete one or two large projects for each home.
This program is designed to help residents stay in their home by making major repairs. It also aims at preserving the single-family housing stock in the city. The most common types of repairs are roof holes, heating system failures and leaks in water or gas lines. Broken water heaters and foundation problems are also eligible for repair.
Cain has a collage in his office with photos of Ash Crescent residents who have benefited from this priority repair program. He’s seen the recipients feel the relief that comes with having their first cool and dry home.
Cain explained that “some of these families call me still to check on my progress.” You meet many good people and you feel their pain. They’re sure to be grateful for anything you do.
The household income must be below 60 percent of the median for that area, which is $45,960 per person. The value of the house cannot exceed 80% or more of the median price in your area. The city’s Neighborhood Services Department accepts applications all year round. The city is often unable to meet the demand for repair work.
Bivens stated, “I cannot make waiting lists disappear but at least I know there is funding.” “I think that people will wait because they know that it is worth their time, rather than waiting to get five grand, which doesn’t really do anything.”
This program employs four full-time contractors and six city employees. It provides residents with two services. Cain explained that residents on fixed incomes or who have other obligations may find it difficult to set aside money for a major repair.
Even if you just went to buy the parts, that’s still not cheap. Many of these people don’t even have money. Cain stated that they barely make ends meet.
In 2023, residents from all council districts will be able to use the program. Last year, the neighborhood services department finished 306 projects. A report given to the council revealed that most of the clients were elderly and extremely low-income.
You might be living in an area where average household incomes are over six figures. “But there could be a widow who is 80 and she might have to move out of her home if this program didn’t exist,” Bivens explained.
Bivens stated that the program does not just improve the lives of the individuals, but it also brings back community pride. It keeps older neighbourhoods from degrading and helps to keep the city looking young.
Berry was excited to start repairing the damage that had been done to his house over many years.
I can cook and wash dishes. Berry admitted that she couldn’t cook or wash dishes at first. It changed my life.
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