One South Euclid accepting applications for its 2023 home exterior repair, senior landscaping, storefront renovation program grants

SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio — The city’s nonprofit community development corporation One South Euclid is now accepting applications for its 2023 Neighborhood Grant Program. The program consists of an Exterior Home Repair Grant Program, a Senior Landscaping Grant Program, and a Storefront Renovation Grant Program.

Residents and storefront property owners who would like to learn more about the programs and get help with their applications are invited to attend an informational session scheduled for 6 pm Feb. 15 at the South Euclid Library, 1876 S. Green Road.

The deadline for applying is 5 pm Feb 28.

“We are pleased to be able to offer these programs in support of the community once again,” said One South Euclid Executive Director Annette Iwamoto.”We know they reach hundreds of our residents and visitors.”

Here is a closer look at the grant programs.

Exterior Home Repair Grant Program

The Exterior Home Repair Grant Program helps residents of owner-occupied homes with select exterior home repairs. These projects include driveway replacement, garage replacement, house painting, roof replacement, sidewalk replacement, siding replacement, step unit replacement, and tree removal.

Eligible applicants are South Euclid residents who live at the residence where the project is to take place. The property must not be tax delinquent, and cannot have received an Exterior Home Repair Grant in the previous year.

The program allows One South Euclid, at its discretion, to fund up to 50 percent of a project’s cost.

Applicants will be asked to describe the proposed repair, its expected timeline for completion, and demonstrate financial need. There is no income limit to determine eligibility. Applicants may be contacted in March to submit a contractor’s estimates and proof of income.

It is likely that, as in previous years, there will be more applications than available funds. In 2022, for example, One South Euclid received nearly 115 applications, but were only able to support 17 residential projects.

The application can be found online at onesoutheuclid.org/grants-for-residents. For a paper application, call 216-396-9392. Final decisions on grant recipients will be made by May and projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

Senior Landscaping Program

The Senior Landscaping Program helps South Euclid’s seniors to age in place. Eligible applicants for this program are 65 and older, reside in South Euclid, and are no longer able to regularly cut their grass and shovel snow, or find anyone (such as family members or neighbors) to do those tasks for them.

Guidelines for this program include:

— Eligible applicants may apply for grass cutting and/or snow shoveling.

— One South Euclid will provide a list of landscapers who are aware of the program, but eligible seniors can also choose their own landscaper.

— Grant recipients are required to show proof of a grass cutting and/or snow removal contract.

— Landscapers can invoice One South Euclid for up to $300 per recipient for each service. If additional services or costs are incurred, the resident will be responsible for the difference.

Awards will be determined in a blind review process by the One South Euclid Grants Committee and are based on the information provided in the application. Grant recipients will be notified in April.

Grant applications for this program may also exceed available funds. Last year, from almost 115 applicants, 62 seniors were aided.

As it has in the past years, One South Euclid will partner with the Community Partnership on Aging to facilitate the application process for senior landscaping grants. CPA’s mission is to promote independence, a healthy lifestyle, community involvement, opportunities for personal growth, and provide support for family caregivers. Residents will work directly with CPA to apply for a grant.

Eligible seniors interested in this program should contact Barbie at 216-396-9392 before Feb. 17 to ensure CPA can complete their application prior to the Feb. 28 deadline.

Storefront Renovation Program

One South Euclid is partnering with the city of South Euclid for its Storefront Renovation Grant Program, which awards commercial property owners a matching grant for transformational exterior renovations.

Eligible projects include all exterior building repairs that are visible from the street. Awards of up to $30,000 are offered, and require a 100-percent match from the property owner. Only business property owners are eligible to apply. Applicants will be asked to describe the proposed renovation, provide an expected timeline for completion, and renderings.

The application is online at onesoutheuclid.org/business-grants. It must be completed by March 7. Final decisions will be made by May and projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

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