City of Waupaca Home Repair Program

The City of Waupaca’s Home Repair Grant Program offers financial assistance to eligible homeowners to support the preservation and longevity of older residential structures within the city. This program is administered by the City of Waupaca Community and Economic Development Department and is made possible through federal economic recovery funds allocated via the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The initiative is rooted in the city’s broader objective to enhance neighborhood appeal and improve local housing conditions, especially in light of financial hardships that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides grants of up to $10,000 for exterior home repairs, which are focused specifically on extending the useful life of the home. These grants do not require a match from homeowners who earn below 80% of the Waupaca County Median Household Income—defined as $59,450 for a family of four. Those who earn above this threshold may still apply but will be considered for a 50 percent matching grant instead. There is no allowance for multiple awards per applicant; eligible homeowners may receive only one grant, pending available funding. Eligible projects include essential structural or weatherproofing improvements such as roofing, siding, windows, gutters, painting, foundation repair, grading for stormwater management, porch and stair repairs, and driveway reconstruction. Detached garages are also eligible for repair under the grant, while other accessory structures and any improvements unrelated to the longevity of the home are not considered eligible. Applications from tax-exempt properties, homes with outstanding city taxes or fees, or projects involving unrelated equipment expenses are ineligible for funding. Applicants must reside in owner-occupied, single-family homes constructed in 1970 or earlier and located within the City of Waupaca. They must self-certify compliance with these criteria as well as certify that no outstanding municipal taxes or fees are due. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but are reviewed monthly by the Community Development Authority (CDA). To be considered at the CDA's regular meeting—held on the third Monday of each month—applications must be submitted by the first Monday of that month. The City cautions that while applications are still being received, submissions received after June 1 are not guaranteed funding due to budget limitations. As of the current cycle, the program remains open and is actively accepting applications. The total funding allocated to this program is $600,000. All applications are evaluated in the order they are received, and any updates about the availability of funds will be posted on the City’s official website. Questions about the program or specific projects can be directed to Stephanie Reif, who serves as the program contact at the City of Waupaca. Her contact information is 715-258-4411 and stephanie.reif@waupacawi.gov.