PONTIAC, Mich. – Pontiac is using its American Rescue Plan Act dollars to assist homeowners in the city.
“We currently do roof repairs, septic systems, doors, roofs, porches, and windows,” said Mathew Turner-Reed, who helps oversee the city’s Home Repair Program. “Anything that’s critical -- you name it, we can do it.”
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In phase one of the project, more than 30 homeowners like Jane Morris had completed their work.
Morris bought her home in 2020, knowing it needed a little work.
“There were some things that I noticed that I needed to get done, but I thought I could put that on the back burner,” said Morris.
An issue with her roof caused damage to the inside of her home. She works with seniors in the area and learned about the Home Repair Project.
“It was a lifesaver for me because it wasn’t just for low-income or seniors,” said Morris.
In addition to her roof, crews fixed her home’s heating and cooling with brand-new insulation.
Morris says you can already tell the difference.
Of the $37 million earmarked for the project, each applicant is awarded up to $25,000 in grants for repairs.
Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel says the program goes far beyond investing in individual homeowners.
“It’s such an important way to help out homeowners while also improving neighborhoods by removing blight when we can improve the homes that are in our community, that is, in a sense, economic development,” said Greimel.
Phase one of the repair program is closed, but officials will soon open it back up for homeowners.
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