The deepest part of downtown in many cities is often occupied by its poorest citizens. The Federal Government, through the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), provides yearly grants called Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) that enable communities to rehabilitate distressed area. This HUD program provides grant funds for the revitalization of areas that may be a little too risky for private or corporate investments.

• If you are a homeowner who earns less than 80% of the median income in your area, you may qualify for a low-interest HUD loan through your state or municipality. Call the community development or planning department in your local government offices, and ask for a housing specialist.
  
  
• Private developers can sometimes use CDBG money to add value to a project that meets HUD’s criteria.
  
  
• When you use public funds, be meticulous about record-keeping. Auditors will look for details like receipts and photographs, copies of checks released to contractors, and waivers of lien.

Neighborhood revitalization involves more than replacing run down rental units with spanky-new affordable housing. It’s also about keeping the community of citizens who’ve lived there for a long time, in tact, and helping them through the transition. They may not see right away how an upgrade of their neighborhood’s homes will benefit them, when it will also bring in folks whose families or backgrounds are not familiar to them. For the project to go smoothly you must work closely with the community leaders, understand their point of view, and provide them with enough information and support to make them comfortable.

MORE INFORMATION

You’ll find lots more information about the home remodeling process in Managing a Renovation: Staying in Charge and Out of Trouble, our friendly and comprehensive homeowner’s guide to remodeling project management. Download the table of contents and a sample chapter, or go to the order form to purchase it.

We offer ready-to-use construction forms, including a complete remodeling contract, in our Bookstore, as well. Have a look.

And, you may want to look at our list of More Resources for some great design ideas.

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