PREBLE COUNTY — The City of Eaton and Preble County formed a partnership last spring to compete in the Ohio Development Services Agency, Office of Community Development’s FY2015-2017 Community Housing Impact and Preservation Program (CHIP).

This month the partnership was awarded $792,600 in housing funds. All activities will be implemented in the county and city.

They are: Homeownership Assistance with two outcomes, Private Rehabilitation with six outcomes, Home Repair with 17 outcomes, Rental Repair 10 outcomes, and Tenant Based Rental Assistance with 27 outcomes.

Funds will be dispersed on a first come first serve basis. All applicants must meet low to moderate-income guidelines for Preble County. For example, the income of a family of four must not exceed $48,700 a year and they must reside within the county. Applications are available starting Monday Oct. 5 at the City of Eaton Municipal Building, 328 North Maple Street, Eaton, or by emailing an application request at [email protected].

The Home Repair program is a grant and improvements may include roofs, wiring, plumbing, heating and other structural rehabilitation items. Homeownership assistance and/or home rehabilitation will help eligible applicants purchase a home, Private Rehabilitation brings homes up to current standards and Habitat for Humanity will assist with building materials for new home. Participants in the Homeownership program are required to attend home buying counseling sessions.

All programs can fund projects anywhere within the county. Contractors interested in bidding on home repair and rehabilitation projects are encouraged to contact the CHIP office. The FY2015-2017 CHIP program is effective from Sept. 1, 2015-Dec. 31, 2017.

Call the Eaton/Preble Community Housing Impact and Preservation Program (CHIP) to leave a message requesting more information at the 937-456-4125 ext. 138.