Flood relief $$$ available for some homeowners

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE DISTRICT SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

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Sault Ste. Marie DSSAB offers one-time flood relief assistance for low-income homeowners

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON (September 24, 2013) - The Sault Ste. Marie District Social Services Administration Board (SSM DSSAB) is allocating up to $250,000 to assist low-income homeowners who require emergency support to make home repairs as a result of flooding that occurred on September 9 and 10, 2013, in Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding area.

Low-income homeowners may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 to assist with emergency home repairs.

Funding will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis until all funds have been utilized or until December 31, 2013.

This initiative will be administered by SSM DSSAB at the discretion of the commissioner of social services.

Eligible homeowners may receive up to $5,000 to help with emergency repairs: replacement of a heat source (furnace, base boards, woodstove, etc.), electrical, hot water tank, etc. Funding will not be provided for: clothing and personal effects, furniture, electronics, non-essential appliances, flooring, dry-wall and any other non-essential item/service.

Funding allocated by the SSM DSSAB will follow the same eligibility criteria as the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s Investment in Affordable Housing program emergency application procedure.

Eligibility criteria:

1) Total annual household income less than $69,600

2) MPAC home value assessment less than $164,034

3) Reside in the SSM DSSAB service area

4) Repairs will only be completed to a primary residence

5) The repair must be necessary to maintain the safety of the home and the health of its residents and be regarded as an emergency

6) Home repairs are required to retain the individual in the home, and

7) Confirmation that home insurance coverage is not available.

Housing Programs will not reimburse homeowners for expenses incurred prior to a formal determination of program eligibility.

In all instances, payments will be issued directly to the homeowner and the third-party contractor/vendor.

Assistance is only available for a primary residence; applications to repair second, income or seasonal properties will not be considered.

For program information, contact Cathy Soby, housing programs administrative clerk, at 705-759-5343, or by e-mail, or visit the Housing Programs office located at 180 Brock Street, Sault Ste. Marie.

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