Govt to give $10,000 for NHA grant

The promised home improvement grant is finally here. Through the NHA, Government would be providing home improvement grants to a maximum of $10,000 to homeowners from next month. In making the announcement, Housing Minister Dr Keith Rowley said it was Government’s attempt to improve the housing conditions of a number of citizens. This year some 1,000 homeowners are expected to benefit from the grant, which is a gift, not a loan.

Rowley stated however that Government would not hesitate to treat with any attempt at abuse. The Ministry would ensure that the funds are directed to the areas of need, and that the money is used for home improvement, he stated. Rowley said $20 million has been set aside in this year’s budget for the Home Improvement Fund, which was established in August 2003. The fund is designed to allow homeowners to improve dilapidated homes. He said the eligibility criteria includes a household income of no more than $24,000 a year,  Trinidad and Tobago citizenship and ownership of the property to be upgraded or the permission of the owner of the property. The selection process would be random and needs-based, he said. Rowley said half of the grant would be given to the applicant at the start of repairs and the other half, mid-way during the renovation. Forms would be available at the NHA. There is also a home improvement programme for higher income earners, funded by the IDB. Under that arrangement, the homeowner is required to foot half the cost of the renovation.