Home Repair Program To Help Senior Citizens in Forest Park

FOREST PARK — The city of Forest Park has launched of its Homeowner Maintenance Enhancements Program to help residents ages 62 and older with essential home repairs or modifications.

The initiative — approved unanimously by Mayor Angelyne Butler and the City Council — allocates $1.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act grant funding to help cover the cost of eligible repair work ranging from roofing, painting, and minor electrical work to ADA improvements, siding, and more.

Grant funds awarded to qualifying residents will not have to be repaid.

“By taking the proactive step of actively addressing the city’s aging housing stock, we are able to improve the overall look and feel of neighborhoods in Forest Park one home at a time,” Butler said. “Forest Park is a city for every season and a place where memories are created. Not only does this dynamic program add to the incredible progress we continue to make as a municipality, but it is also our way of supporting those who have given so much to our beloved community.”

The program was launched Dec. 29 and as of Jan. 2, there were 62 applicants, according to a presentation at the Jan. 2 Forest Park City Council meeting.

“I’m excited about people signing up for this,” said Councilmember Kimberly James.

Laptop stations have been installed at City Hall to help individuals apply and applications are available in Spanish, City Manager Ricky Clark Jr. said.

The application process for the city’s H.O.M.E. Program has been broken down into three basic steps, which include:

— Step 1 (Application Submission): The application is available for individuals ages 62 and older who reside in the City of Forest Park and meet federal income requirements. Residents can apply directly online. Once received, city officials will review each application for processing.

— Step 2 (Award Notification): Once qualified, applications will be notified of their approval. After the approval has been received, the applicant will then work with the city to select a contractor.

— Step 3: (Services Complete): Contractor will receive the approved funds from city officials through the program. Repairs and upgrades are performed, which are then followed by certified inspections.

“Through our ONE Forest Park platform, the city has placed a heavy emphasis on the importance of neighborhood sustainability and finding strategic, creative ways to enhance our overall curb appeal throughout all of our respective wards,” Clark said. “As we strive to improve the homes of our legacy residents, we’re not looking to just renovate spaces. We also want to elevate the overall charm and standard of what makes Forest Park such a special place to live and retire.”

The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 9 at 5 p.m.

“I’m glad to see this,” Council member Allen Mears said. “We’ve got a lot of elderly people in Forest Park that really need the help.”