DETROIT – Home repairs can be a significant challenge, especially for many Detroit homeowners on a fixed income.
“It’s plenty costly,” said Barbara I’Ron.
The 85-year-old retiree has owned her home on Detroit’s east side for over three decades. Thanks to a program Detroit city leaders are promoting called Renew Detroit, she recently received a brand-new roof.
“It’s wonderful,” I’Ron said. “Thank God. I thank God for it. It helped me a whole lot.”
Renew Detroit was announced in 2021. The city is dedicating $45 million toward home improvement projects like roofing repairs and window replacement for up to 2,000 Detroiters.
Priority is given to seniors on fixed incomes and other low-income residents.
“We receive telephone calls every single day for repairs,” said Detroit City Council Member Mary Waters.
City leaders said $30 million of the program’s funding comes from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act.
In a nearby neighborhood, Gwendolyn Forehand is another resident who’s getting roofing repairs under Renew Detroit. When contractors arrived at her home on Wednesday (March 6), Forehand was excited. She said her roof had leaks and falling shingles.
She made the call to apply for Renew Detroit and qualified.
“It was just like everything was already prepared for me,” said Forehand.
Currently, contractors are working to tackle as many home improvement projects as possible under the program.
I’Ron’s home made the 500th roof repair completed under Renew Detroit. She said people are asking how it happened. She’s busy sharing the details.
“I give them the number and say you can get it too,” I’Ron said. “It’s not limited just for me.”
Contact the city of Detroit to inquire about what types of home repair programs may be available for you.