Weatherization--MURL--Frail & Elderly--MHFA Rehabilitation Loan--Small Cities Dev.

Equal Opportunity Housing

Weatherization
Bill -Asst. Director of Operations

This program works with clients to decrease their energy consumption. All Bi-CAP Energy Assistance Program households that have not yet received weatherization are referred to this program. Priority is given to elderly and handicapped households with high-energy consumption and single head of households with children. Emergencies and referrals from outside agencies are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. The following energy saving measures are eligible activities: caulking, weather-stripping, upgrading furnace efficiency, insulation for attics, wall and foundation, and door and window replacement (mobile homes only). Approved energy measures are based on the results of the NEAT Audit (National Energy Audit Tool), required by the MN Dept of Commerce.  Whenever possible, these funds are coordinated with other energy conservation programs. Agency Housing/Energy Auditors perform pre- and post- inspections with the use of blower doors. This test checks the air tightness of the home, allowing the energy auditor and contractor to identify air leaks and central air quality, and prevents over tightness.

MURL

MURL is a home ownership program funded by MHFA. To be eligible for this, a household must be eligible for a conventional mortgage. Bi-CAP currently hold 20 Contracts for Deeds under MURL program. GAP financing is available.

Frail & Elderly

Bi-CAP administers an independent living program for the frail and elderly residing in Beltrami County. The Frail and Elderly Program assists low-income individuals aged 60 and older who would be unable to remain in their own homes without modifications to their living space. Eligible modifications include bathroom grab bars, raised toilet seats, shower benches, emergency alert systems, walkers, egg crate mattresses, stair trails and door/faucet levers. The maximum allotment is $300 per senior in the home. Funding for this program was received from the Northwest Area Agency Aging .

MHFA Rehabilitation Loans

The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) offers improvement loans for Minnesota residents with modest incomes. This program assists low to moderate income homeowner’s to improve efficiency and accessibility of their homes.

Loan provides financing up to $15,000 to make basic permanent repairs to the home without interest or monthly payments. If the applicant and a resident of the home has been diagnosed as having physical disability, the applicant may be eligible for an accessibility loan. This loan provides financing up to $20,000 to make basic permanent improvements to help the person with a disability live more independently and safely at home. This type of loan must be repaid in thirty years or if the property is sold, transferred, or the application moves from the property.

Eligibility
The applicant must be income eligible:

* The applicant must own property that is being improved. It must be a principal place of residence, and it must be current in property taxes.
* The applicant’s net value must be no greater than $25,000. (This excludes “personal” property, the property to be improved including two surrounding acres or two platted lots, and one motor vehicle.)

Eligible Improvements:

An MHFA loan may be used for basic and necessary improvements that make the home more livable and energy efficient, such as:
• Mechanical—electrical, plumbing, and heating systems
• Structural—roofs, foundations, flooring, and stairways
• Energy—insulation, windows, doors
• Compliance—applicable housing codes

Persons with a disability may use a loan for:
• Ramp or mechanical lift
• Widened doorways
• Bathroom fixtures and layout
• Kitchen and laundry modifications
• Wheel-In Shower Stalls

Energy Assistance Weatherization

Priorities for Energy Assistance Weatherization are based on high consumption.  The maximum allowance is $3,000.  Conservation repair includes attic/wall insulation, major air sealing, furnace repair, health/safety measures and roof replacement.  Mechanical options include: furnace and chimney repair/replacement and gas water heater replacement.

 Propane Options

Persons must be homeowners and use propane as a primary heat source to utilize this program.  There is no dollar limit per home.  Priorities include:  high energy consumption, elderly, handicapped, categorically eligible, minorities and single heads of households with children.  Eligible improvements are: attic and wall insulation, major air sealing, furnace repair/replacement and health/safety measures.  Improvements are based on a on-site inspection, and recommendation measure generated with the NEAT computer audit software.

Otter Tail Power Conservation Improvement

Participants must have Otter Tail Power as an electric company.  Eligible improvements include:  timers, light bulbs, water heaters, shower heads, kitchen/bath aerators, pipe insulation, water heater jackets, refrigerators, freezers and ceiling fans.

 Peoples Natural Gas Conservation Improvement

Participants must have Peoples Natural Gas as a gas company and meet DOE guidelines.  Priorities include: high energy consumption, elderly, handicapped, categorically eligible, minorities and single head of households with children.  Eligible improvements include:  attic insulation, major air sealing, furnace replacements, water heater replacement.  Improvements NOT allowed are door/window replacement, roof repair, health and safety repairs,  and storm windows.