Housing Rehabilitation Grants

The City of Urbana, Illinois administers a range of housing rehabilitation grants through its Grants Management Division, offering financial assistance to low- and moderate-income homeowners and residents. These programs are designed to improve housing quality, preserve neighborhood stability, and ensure safety and accessibility for Urbana residents. Funded through limited federal sources, these grants provide critical home repairs and upgrades to eligible households within the corporate limits of the City of Urbana. The city emphasizes inclusivity in its assistance by accepting applications from homeowners, renters, and recipients of trust deeds and contract purchases, as long as they meet income and residency requirements. The grant offerings are segmented into four primary programs: the Emergency Grant, Emergency Roof Repair Grant, Emergency Sewer Repair Grant, and the Accessibility Grant. The Emergency Grant supports urgent repairs needed to resolve hazardous conditions that threaten occupant safety or health. This can include issues such as defective electrical systems, plumbing failures, or compromised building components. Funding under this program is capped at $10,000. For issues related specifically to roofing, the Emergency Roof Repair Grant offers up to $15,000 for emergency repairs or replacements to address degraded or dangerous roof conditions that impact the home’s livability. Similarly, the Emergency Sewer Repair Grant offers up to $15,000 for necessary rehabilitation of sewer systems in owner-occupied homes, but only when the issue is classified as an emergency that presents a health or safety risk. The Accessibility Grant Program focuses on improving access and usability for residents with disabilities. Projects may include ramp installations, door widening, and bathroom modifications to eliminate physical barriers within the home. This grant applies to residences with four or fewer units and provides up to $10,000 in funding. To qualify, applicants must be either a homeowner, renter, or trust deed recipient, and either be disabled or live with a dependent who is permanently disabled and a full-time resident of the home. Income eligibility for all programs is determined by limits set annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with current limits set at 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Champaign County. Additionally, homes must be structurally sound and free from severe deficiencies to qualify for rehabilitation support. Applicants must have occupied the home for at least one year and carry homeowners insurance. Programs are available only to properties located within Urbana city limits, and availability is subject to funding levels. All applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, and applicants may be placed on a waitlist depending on the urgency of the need and funding availability. The application process is streamlined via the Neighborly software platform, accessible through the City of Urbana website. Paper applications are also available upon request at the Community Development office in City Hall. The city’s Grants Management Division provides contact support via phone and email for residents who have questions or need assistance with their application. Though there are no pre-application requirements such as Letters of Intent or concept papers, the application system does require account creation and documentation upload. The city prioritizes equitable access to housing and aims to support those most at risk through these repair and rehabilitation initiatives.