City of Waupaca Home Repair Program

The City of Waupaca's Home Repair Grant Program provides an opportunity for eligible homeowners within the city to receive financial assistance for critical exterior home repairs. Funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, the program seeks to address unmet housing needs exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic by allocating a total of $600,000 to support residents. The program is targeted specifically at preserving the structural integrity and livability of older homes, especially those built before 1970, thereby contributing to the revitalization and long-term resilience of the city’s residential neighborhoods. The main objective of the program is to support homeownership sustainability in Waupaca by investing in the upkeep of aging housing stock. Grants of up to $10,000 are available per homeowner for eligible exterior repairs, such as roofing, siding, windows, foundation repair, porches, driveways, and gutters. The funding is available on a non-matching basis to applicants who earn below 80% of the Waupaca County median income, which for a family of four is defined as $59,450. Homeowners above this income threshold are still eligible, but they must provide a 50% match for the funds requested. This income-based structure is intended to ensure broad access to the program while prioritizing those with the greatest financial need. Applicants must reside in owner-occupied single-family homes built in 1970 or earlier and located within Waupaca city limits. Detached garages are eligible, but other accessory structures are not. The program excludes properties with tax-exempt status, those with outstanding fees or taxes due to the City, and repairs that do not directly improve the longevity of the home. All applicants must self-certify both their property eligibility and that they do not owe the City any unpaid taxes or fees. Projects not explicitly listed but that may contribute to the extended life of the home can be considered on a case-by-case basis, offering some degree of flexibility for diverse repair needs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but must be received by the first Monday of the month in order to be reviewed during the Waupaca Community Development Authority's (CDA) monthly meeting, held on the third Monday. This rolling submission process means applications are reviewed in the order received, and approvals are contingent upon available funding. The City has issued a notice that applications received after June 1 may not be funded, signaling the program's finite resources and potential urgency for timely application submission. The City emphasizes that while applications are open continuously, applicants are encouraged to reach out to the program contact, Stephanie Reif, for questions or guidance. Her contact information is publicly listed: [email protected] and 715-258-4411. The City has also made available detailed guidelines, FAQs, and application forms through downloadable PDFs for interested applicants. While there are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent, all application materials must be complete and received on time to be considered. Overall, the Home Repair Grant Program represents a strategic effort by the City of Waupaca to enhance housing quality, support economic recovery, and invest in the long-term vitality of its communities through responsible stewardship of federal funds. With a clear eligibility framework, equitable matching structure, and a focused scope on exterior repairs, the program offers a meaningful pathway for residents to address necessary home improvements that may have been deferred due to economic hardship.