The town of Crothersville is now taking applications from eligible residents to receive grants to make improvements to their homes.

Funded by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, the housing rehabilitation program could allow up to $15,000 in home repairs.

Victoria Dake, grant manager for housing with Administrative Resources association, said in order for the town to be able to apply for the $350,000 grant, there needs to be at least 20 to 30 applications turned in from people who are seeking improvements on their homes inside Crothersville limits.

“Right now, we’re trying to see if there is interest,” Dake said.

To qualify, individuals must be 55 years of age or older or have someone in the household who is disabled.

One also must live in and own a single-family home, have insurance on it and meet income requirements. For example, a one-person household will need to have an annual income of $32,400 or below or a house of eight must be $61,050 or below.

Improvements may include electrical upgrades, heating, cooling, plumbing, roof, windows and doors. They also might include home modifications such as accessibility ramps, kitchen or bathroom upgrades for safety, door widening for wheelchairs and improved lighting.

“It’s really focusing on repairs to get around the house better and possibly for them to stay in the home and not go into a nursing home,” Dake said.

Applications are due by the end of June, but there may be priority to those who are eligible and turn in their application earlier.

“The sooner, the better,” Dake said.

Residents who apply may have to have their home inspected or provide further information. Dake said those who are chosen will likely find out in late fall.

Crothersville Clerk-treasurer Terry Richey said she knows of some residents who recently took applications at the town’s senior citizen center.

“It’s exciting to me,” she said. “There’s so many people who we want to see have a nice home. It also helps the morale of the community. I hope a lot of people take advantage of it.”

Richey said if you want to know if you qualify, stop by Crothersville Town Hall and pick up an application. If you are unable to get out, call 812-793-2311.

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If you would like to see if you qualify for the housing rehabilitation program, stop by Crothersville Town Hall, 111 E. Howard St., and pick up an application.

If you are unable to get out, call 812-793-2311.

For questions, you also can call Victoria Dake at 812-376-9949.

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Home improvement eligibility requirements include:

• Applicants must be 55 years of age or it must be a disabled household;
• Single-family, owner-occupied homes;
• Home must be on a permanent foundation;
• Contract sales are not eligible;
• Homes must be insured;
• Homes must be in need of modifications (based on referral/assessment; and
• Grant is income-based.

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