As the housing crisis goes on, four counties in Northeastern Michigan are getting federal dollars to repair some dwellings.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced nearly $500,000 for Crawford, Alcona, Ogemaw and Alpena counties this week.
The money will help repair over 70 homes.
“Not only is it important to have and be able to secure affordable housing throughout the region, but we got to make sure that, you know, homeowners have the ability to maintain their residences as well,” said Brandon Fewins, USDA state director for Michigan.
The money comes from the $18.5 million Housing Preservation Program, included in President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure package, passed in 2022.
Alpena County administrator Mary Catherine Hannah said that housing stock is low and much of what the county does have doesn't fit modern lifestyles.
In Alpena, the federal dollars will go to the county Home Improvement Program which provides home repair assistance to low-income homeowners.
Nicki Janish spearheads the project. She said her office receives weekly calls for repairs stemming from roof leaks to septic system failures.
"We have operated on USDA Rural Development funding for many years, even before I was the director. So we're not new to receiving the funding," Janish said. "In years past we may have received $18,000, up to maybe $36,000. So, in one year to be awarded $147,000 is it's a big deal. It's awesome."
The same grant program will likely reopen next year. Government agencies, nonprofits and tribal governments are all eligible.
Janish said she expects most of the funding will go toward repairing single-family homes. Other counties can use the money for rental units.
She said while adding housing stock to the region is critical, maintaining the homes available is just as important.
"If we have homeowners who already own homes becoming displaced ... it's just adding to the housing crisis that's already there," Janish said. "If they didn't have a way to keep their homes safe and sound for their family to continue to live there, then where would they go?"
