| Q: |
Am I eligible for a grant to fix up
my home? |
| A: |
Homeowners are eligible for a housing
rehabilitation grant or loan if you are in an active area. (Follow the links for a list of
active development areas.) Owners of rental property within active areas are eligible for
special assistance. |
| Q: |
What if I don’t live in one of
the Neighborhood Program Areas and I need assistance? |
| A: |
Akron also has a minor home repair program
providing limited assistance to low income elderly or disabled homeowners citywide. Call
(330) 375-2050 for more information. |
| Q: |
How are program neighborhoods
selected? |
| A: |
Neighborhoods are selected using assessments
of neighborhood conditions and US Census data. See Housing and Community Services
for more details. Akron’s Community Development plan and budget are outlined in the Consolidated Plan and 5 year Strategy. |
| Q: |
What happens to vacant, rundown
houses? |
| A: |
The Akron Health Department enforces the
Environmental Health Housing code (330) 375-2366. This sets minimum standards for safe and
decent housing. Inspectors visit properties, identify violations and work with owners to
correct problems. If properties are so bad they can’t be repaired, the city offers to
tear them down at no cost through the Waiver
Demolition Program. Garages, too, can be torn down at no cost. Call (330) 375-2696 for
program information. (Waiver Information
Flyer -156k pdf) |
| Q: |
Does the City just help repair old
homes? |
| A: |
The City recognizes the need for new,
affordable housing. The Urban Neighborhood Development
Corporation contracts with local builders to construct quality homes on inner city
lots. Call (330) 375-2696 for more information. Akron also assists other non-profit
Community Housing Development Organizations construct new homes. See Consolidated Plan and 5 year Strategy for more
information. UNDC Information Flyer
(160k pdf) |
| Q: |
Is there help for the homeless? |
| A: |
The City supports a range of community
organizations assisting the homeless. The Emergency Shelter Grant Program (ESGP) assists
shelters serving women, men, women with children, families, victims of domestic violence,
the mentally ill and runaway youth. The City also funds transitional residential programs
that provide long-term residency and supportive services. A complete description of the
history and range of services for the homeless is contained in the City’s Continuum of Care. For ESGP
information, call (330) 375-2090. For information on direct assistance to the homeless
call Info Line at (330) 376-6660. |
| Q: |
How does the City assist community
organizations? |
| A: |
Since 1997, The Neighborhood
Partnership Program has annually awarded matching grants to neighborhood organizations
for small, innovative neighborhood-based projects. In addition, the City now assists
non-profit Neighborhood Development Corporations with project and administrative funding.
Organizations must be in operation for at least one year and have the capacity to provide
housing-related services within a defined neighborhood. Call (330) 375-2090 for more
information. |
| Q: |
What kind of assistance is available
to small businesses? |
| A: |
Akron’s Neighborhood Business District Program is
designed to assist community-based businesses, in specific neighborhoods, to perform
exterior or interior improvements. Call (330) 375-2090 for more information. |
| Q: |
Are any public improvements planned
for my neighborhood? |
| A: |
See the annual
Capital Investment Program, five
year Capital Investment Program, and ward maps.
Or call Capital Planning at (330) 375-2084. |
| Q: |
How can I get my street and sidewalk
repaired? |
| A: |
Property owners can circulate a petition for
public improvements in the block or blocks in front of their property. Contact the Akron
Engineering Bureau Administrative Services Division at (330) 375-2355 regarding the
petition program. |
