By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Another local veteran is benefitting from the city’s Critical Home Repair Program, offered by the Marlborough Community Development Authority (MCDA) in partnership with the Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester (MWGW). Students in Marlborough High School’s Habitat for Humanity Chapter are assisting with the project.
For the past two years, Mayor Arthur Vigeant has been working with Habitat officials to help veterans, seniors and family homeowners who need critical home repairs. The veteran’s home at 47 Highland St. is a much larger undertaking than the two home repairs completed in 2017, which included replacing a heating system in one home and installing a new wheelchair ramp and repairing the existing deck in the other home.
“It is exciting to build upon our projects from last year by taking on this large renovation for a veteran that includes both interior and exterior improvements,” Vigeant said. “The invaluable help from the students will make this a true community effort.”
To qualify for the program, city residents must own their home, need significant repair(s) to function in their homes and must be income-qualified. Participants must also be current on their mortgage, property taxes and insurance. This program provides funding for projects including, but not limited to, wheelchair ramp installation, roof replacement, siding repair, and landscaping. Qualifying families are required to invest 20 to 30 hours of “sweat equity” on their repair or another Habitat project. In addition, the families agree to pay back the loans provided by the city over a 50-year term.
The MCDA offers loans through a variety of programs. To learn more about the programs and loans and to see if you qualify, visit www.Marlborough.ma.gov/MCDA. If you have questions about the program, contact MCDA Executive Director Douglas Bushman at [email protected] or 508-624-6908, ext. 40101.
