City of New Carrollton’s Home Improvement Assistance Program

The Home Improvement Assistance Program (HIAP) is administered by the City of New Carrollton, Maryland, to support local homeowners in conducting essential repairs and maintenance to their primary residences. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the program acknowledges the financial setbacks experienced by many households during the COVID-19 public health emergency and aims to address deferred home repairs that could compromise safety or living conditions. The City has allocated $900,000 in ARPA funds toward this initiative. HIAP is designed to assist eligible homeowners with essential repair needs and not cosmetic or superficial home remodeling. Examples of covered repairs include but are not limited to roofs, windows, doors, siding, insulation, HVAC systems, water heaters, plumbing, electrical systems, weatherization, foundation work, sidewalk and driveway repairs, as well as lead paint and pipe remediation. Eligible expenses must contribute to maintaining the home in a safe and healthy condition. To qualify for the grant, applicants must reside within the city limits of New Carrollton and must demonstrate that their household income or assets were directly or indirectly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This may include experiences such as unemployment, income reduction, illness-related inability to work, or increased household expenses. Furthermore, applicants must live in a Qualified Census Tract or meet specified income limits set according to household size, aligned with moderate-income thresholds for Prince George’s County as determined by the U.S. Treasury. Applicants must complete an application and submit all required documentation as outlined in a checklist available online. Applications can be submitted either digitally via email or physically by mailing them to the City’s ARPA Grant Program Manager. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis while funds remain available. A signed Grant Agreement must be executed prior to beginning any work, and a formal Notice-to-Proceed must be issued. All necessary permits must be secured from Prince George’s County before work begins. Failure to obtain required permits may result in cancellation of the grant award. HIAP funds are disbursed directly to qualified contractors only after all work is completed, inspected, and confirmed to meet the terms of the grant agreement. Applicants are not reimbursed directly. Furthermore, homeowners must agree to a five-year occupancy commitment; if the property is sold or ceases to be the primary residence within that time, a prorated portion of the grant must be repaid. The City will place a lien on the property to enforce this requirement and will remove the lien once the obligation is fulfilled. The City of New Carrollton can be reached for more information at (301) 459-6100 or by emailing HIAP-Assistance@newcarrolltonmd.gov. Applications are currently being accepted, and funding is limited, so early submission is encouraged.