Purpose:

The Kingsport Alliance for Housing Revitalization (KAHR) home repair program, funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is designed to assist low income families  in maintaining decent, safe, sanitary, and energy efficient housing by rehabilitating substandard single family dwellings to meet local standards and environmental requirements. The emergency repair component of the program eliminates unsafe, hazardous and unsanitary conditions that require immediate attention. Dwellings must be an owner-occupied, single-family residence and be located within the city limits of Kingsport.

You can learn more about the CDBG program visit: www.hudexchange.info/programs/cdbg/

Application Process:

The KAHR Program awards funding based on financial need of the household and the condition of the dwelling.  Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis as long as sufficient funds to cover the cost of additional projects remain uncommitted. Applications with emergency repair needs will take precedence in regards to funding.

1. The interested Homeowner contacts the Community Development Office to discuss needed repairs. If the repairs meet the criteria for one of the programs, an Application and Checklist will be mailed, emailed or faxed to the homeowner.
2. Once the applicant has assembled all of the necessary documentation, an appointment will be scheduled for them to come into the office and complete the application with the Community Development Staff.
3. The application must be filled out completely (no questions can be left unanswered).
4. The application must be signed by all household members 18 years or older.

The applicant will have thirty (30) days to submit all required information.  If not received within the thirty (30) days, the application will be closed and filed as ineligible.

1. Upon receipt of the application and supporting documentation, it will be reviewed by the Community Development Staff for eligibility.
2. If the information given meets the income limits and other criteria, the applicant will be placed on the waiting list.
3. If the application does not meet the program guidelines, the applicant will be notified in writing within thirty (30) days.
4. When an applicant’s name comes up on the waiting list, they will receive a phone call and letter or email to call the Community Development Staff for an appointment to start the acceptance process.

Any intentionally falsified information will cause the application to be rejected and the homeowner to be deemed ineligible to apply for assistance.

Failure to disclose information that may affect eligibility requirements shall also constitute fraud.

Type of Assistance:

The maximum allowable Repair grant is $25,000 per address as long as any owner of the property at the time of the grant has any ownership interest in the real property.  The Community Development Staff can authorize a larger grant if the maximum allowable repair cannot remove the threat to life, health or safety of the family.

Eligibility Requirements:

Income:

The applicant(s) and household must meet program income limits.  Total family or household annual gross income determines program eligibility.  Annual gross income shall be at or below 80% of the area median income for household composition as determined by HUD.

Property:

1. The dwelling unit must be located within the city limits of Kingsport.
2. The dwelling unit must be in need of immediate and necessary repairs to correct situations which pose a threat to the health and safety of those who reside in the home. Eligible emergency repairs include, but are not limited to electrical, roofing, plumbing and HVAC repairs. Foundation repair or replacement is not eligible.
3. Permanent structures only; no mobile homes, travel trailers, etc. Modular and Double-Wide homes on a permanent foundation are eligible.
4. The applicant’s property must not have a history of being used for illegal activity or any other activity which impairs the physical or social environment of the unit or the neighborhood.
5. The property must be serviced by or accessible to a City-approved water supply, gas, sanitary sewer (or have an approved septic system) and electrical system.
6. The property must comply with and meet all environmental regulations, including, but not limited to, historical, floodplain, noise and lead. Properties located in the 100 year floodplain are ineligible unless they are currently covered by flood insurance.
7. Accessory structures (as defined by City of Kingsport code) are not eligible for the program. If an accessory structure must be torn down as part of a reconstruction, it will not be rebuilt.

More Information:

For more information or to schedule an appointment to apply for assistance, please contact Michael Price at 423-224-2877 or via email at MichaelPrice@KingsportTN.gov

Fair Housing:

What is the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities.

Who is protected?

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of:

• Race
• Color
• National Origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Familial Status
• Disability

Take a moment to look at the brochure “Fair Housing Equal Opportunity for All” or visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing  for more information.

Lead Safety:

HUD believes our communities should make homes available to families that are affordable and healthy. “Healthy Homes” is a century-old concept that promotes safe, decent, and sanitary housing as a means for preventing disease and injury. There is a lot of emerging scientific evidence linking health outcomes such as asthma, lead poisoning, and unintentional injuries to substandard housing. Lead is a highly toxic metal that may cause a range of health problems, especially in young children. When lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, like the kidneys, nerves, and blood

Take a moment to look at the brochure “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home“ or visit www.hud.gov/lead  for more information.

Contractor Information:

The KAHR home repair program utilizes federal funds to make home repairs for low-moderate income residents of the City of Kingsport. Typical repairs include HVAC, roofing, ramps, lack of water or water damage, minor structural damage, etc. Contractors interested in future projects involving home repairs utilizing Community Development Block Grant Funds should submit Letters of Interest to the Community Development office at 415 Broad Street 2nd Floor, Kingsport, TN 37660

The City of Kingsport shall not discriminate because of race, sex, religion, familial status, disability, handicap, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

All Minority, Women-Owned and Section 3 compliant contractors are encouraged to participate.