EDA housing program finds new funding for rehabs

Nancy Grabko, whose company, Community Fundraising Solutions, provides housing coordinator services for the Cook County – Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA), is an advocate for housing assistance of all types. At the Tuesday, March 20, 2012 meeting of the EDA, Grabko was happy to announce that Cook County would be receiving $60,000 in housing rehabilitation funds from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)

HOME funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are distributed to local agencies through a competitive grant process. Cook County has never been a grant recipient before. “It’s been a four-year process to get this money,” said EDA Director Matt Geretschlaeger.

Grabko said HOME received grant applications totaling $433,000 and $330,000 was granted.

Grabko said, “Because we were a grassroots project, we were looked at favorably.” She added that she appreciated that Cook County Commissioner Sue Hakes helped make the presentation to St. Louis County’s Planning and Community Development Department, which manages the grant process. “She was a real champion,” said Grabko.

It is hoped that at least five homes will be rehabilitated with the HOME funds. There are currently 21 households on the EDA housing rehab waiting list. Grabko said the grant is especially good now since the other grant being sought, through the Department of Employment and Economic Development Small Cities Program, is earmarked for within the City of Grand Marais. “So with or without DEED funds, we should be able to help people outside of Grand Marais,” she said.

Grabko also asked EDA board members to help spread the news that the EDA, with the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency, will be offering a Home Stretch Workshop for 1st Time Buyers from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 14 at the EDA offices at Grand Marais City Hall. The workshop is open to anyone interested in buying a home. The Home Stretch program is designed to promote and encourage homeownership by providing down payment and closing cost loans to income-eligible, qualified buyers.

Registration forms are available at the EDA housing office at Grand Marais City Hall. For more information call Tom Lundquist of AEOA toll-free at (800) 662- 5711 or Nancy Grabko at (218) 387-3067 or e-mail dngrabko@means.net.