State Program Helping With

Repairs, Abatement, Septic Replacement

HARTFORD — Connecticut homeowners can eliminate hazards and improve their property values through Home Solutions, a statewide loan and grant program that is funded by the state Department of Economic and Community Development, and operated by the Community Renewal Team.

Founded in 1963, the Community Renewal Team (CRT) is the largest community action agency in Connecticut, and the oldest in the United States. CRT is a federally designated antipoverty agency, helping people to become self-sufficient.

Programs include Head Start, Meals on Wheels, energy assistance, community corrections, homeless shelters and supportive housing, financial literacy, income tax preparation, and neighborhood services.

Home Solutions helps seniors pay for emergency repairs that will allow them to remain safely in their homes. This can include roofing, heating systems, windows, siding, bathrooms, plumbing, electrical work, and renovations for handicap accessibility on a one- or two-family home. Grants can be up to $10,000 (for a one family home) or $20,000 (for a duplex).

Two other types of grants are offered, irrespective of the homeowner’s age: lead and asbestos can be removed from owner-occupied residences of up to six units, and a failed septic system can be repaired or replaced. The minimum funding for each project is $1,000, and the maximum may be as high as $90,000 for a six-unit building.

Qualifications for each program vary. Seniors must be over 62, and need urgent repairs to remain safely in their homes. Grants for hazardous materials abatement (lead and asbestos removal) go to low- or moderate-income homeowners; others may apply for no- and low-interest loans. Septic system work is done only where the current sewage disposal system is certified as failed or inadequate by area health authorities.

For more information, or to start the application process, call 860-560-5800 or 800-798-3805. Work is done throughout the state.