Salina Neighborhood Repair & Rehabilitation Program

The Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program grant awarded to the City of Salina is part of a broader national initiative administered through the Federal Home Loan Bank system, a cooperative network of regional banks that are federally chartered and required to allocate a portion of their earnings toward affordable housing activities. In this case, the City of Salina received $999,999 in funding through the 2023 award cycle to support its Neighborhood Repair and Rehabilitation Program. This initiative is designed to preserve and improve the existing housing stock by providing financial assistance to low-to-moderate income homeowners for critical home repairs. The program is administered locally by the City’s Community and Development Services Department, specifically the Community Relations Division. The primary purpose of this grant is to ensure that homes occupied by qualifying residents meet minimum housing quality standards and remain safe, habitable, and structurally sound. The funding is not intended for cosmetic upgrades but instead focuses on essential repairs such as roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, heating systems, and structural components. Eligible activities must directly contribute to bringing properties into compliance with local building codes and maintaining long-term livability. The program also allows for certain emergency repairs and accessibility improvements on a case-by-case basis, provided they align with the overarching goal of health and safety compliance. Funding is structured to provide assistance generally up to $20,500 per home, with flexibility for exceptions depending on funding availability and project feasibility. The total program is expected to support the rehabilitation of approximately 44 owner-occupied homes within the City of Salina. Funds are distributed indirectly through contractor payments rather than direct cash awards to homeowners, and all work must be completed by licensed contractors selected through a competitive procurement process managed by the City. Homeowners must agree to program terms, including allowing inspections, maintaining insurance, and complying with all project requirements. Eligibility is limited to owner-occupied properties located within the designated service area, which includes all Salina city limits and specified census tracts. Applicants must meet strict income requirements, with household income not exceeding 60 percent of the Area Median Income, and the majority of participants falling at or below 50 percent. Additional eligibility criteria include being current on property taxes, mortgage payments, and utilities, as well as having no active foreclosures, bankruptcies, or unresolved insurance claims. Certain property types, such as mobile homes or properties in floodplains, are not eligible. Applicants must also demonstrate that their homes require a minimum threshold of repair work and are suitable for rehabilitation within funding limits. The application process requires submission of a complete application along with extensive documentation, including proof of income for all adult household members, mortgage statements, homeowner’s insurance, and verification of employment or other income sources. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-ready basis and remain open until sufficient qualified applicants are identified to meet program capacity. Once submitted, applications undergo eligibility screening, inspection, cost estimation, and contractor bidding before final approval. Approved applicants enter into a formal rehabilitation agreement with the City prior to the start of work. The program timeline spans from December 2023 through December 2027, reflecting a multi-year implementation period tied to the grant award. Applications may reopen if additional capacity becomes available, but there is no fixed annual deadline, making this effectively a rolling opportunity until funds are exhausted. There is no formal pre-application requirement, though participants must complete a homeownership course and are offered financial literacy training as part of program participation. These educational components are provided at no cost and are intended to support long-term housing stability. Oversight and evaluation are conducted by the City’s Grant Administrator, who ensures compliance with both local program guidelines and Federal Home Loan Bank requirements. Projects are monitored through inspections and must meet all quality standards before final approval and payment to contractors. For additional information or assistance, applicants can contact the Community Relations Division by phone or email. The program emphasizes transparency, accountability, and equitable access to housing improvements for eligible residents within the community.

Submit complete and accurate documentation early to secure placement before capacity is reached; ensure all financial and property compliance requirements are met prior to applying