Need home repairs? Forest Park offers $10,000 grants to homeowners

FOREST PARK, Georgia. – Home is where the heart is, and for JoAnn “Jay” Evans, 69, her Forest Park home has had her heart for the past decade.

“A house is not like an apartment, it’s not like cars,” Evans said. “If something breaks down in your home, it’s a big expense.”

Over the years, several things have needed upgrading, but she is on a fixed income, which has made things difficult.

That changed when the city of Forest Park began a home repair program.

Using money from the American Rescue Plan, the city is providing up to $10,000 in grants to homeowners who need to make repairs and modifications.

“We need it as landlords, tenants can get everything they need. All you have to do is call the landlord. Landlords, we are responsible for everything,” Evans said.

Evans’ home was one of more than 60 homes repaired during the first phase of the program, which targeted homeowners 62 and older.

“Because of the city of Forest Park, I wouldn’t have been able to afford it,” Evans said.

Evans received new flooring, a water heater and window screens.

“When the city of Forest Park can give you money, $10,000, and you don’t have to pay it back, don’t you know what a Christmas, birthday, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day,” Evans said.

The second phase of the program launched on Black Friday and so far more than 50 people have applied. The city is accepting applications through Dec. 31 for residents ages 18 to 61 to help cover the cost of eligible repair work, including HVAC issues, roofing and more.

“Not only are we giving them money to do some of these necessary repairs, but we’re also hoping that in the long run, through some of these repairs, it will reduce some of the utility calls for our residents’ daily lives “Forest said. Park City manager Ricky Clark Jr.

For Evans, the upgrades are not only great right now, but they also help build generational wealth so she can pass the house down to other members of her family.

“When they give me $10,000 that you don’t have to pay back, these days it’s a big help,” she said.

To find out how to apply, click here.

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