The City of Niles community development department has announced its 2012 Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) to assist low to moderate-income homeowners with repairs to their homes.

The program provides eligible homeowners with forgivable loans with 0 percent interest.

Loans must be repaid if the property is sold or the title is transferred within a five-year period.

About $55,000 in funding is available for the project.

Community Development Director Juan Ganum said that amount of funding won’t meet the demand so a lottery system will be introduced.

With more promoting of the program this year, Ganum expects a “tremendous amount of demand” this year.

To be eligible an applicant must own a home within the city of Niles; property taxes must be paid and current; the home must be insured; and the household income cannot exceed 80 percent of the area median income, based on household size.

Residents in outlying townships or cities should contact the Berrien County Community Development Department or visit the Berrien County website for information on the county-wide program.

Applications are reviewed and then selected using a lottery system.

Applications are available at the city clerk’s office at Niles City Hall, 508 E. Main St. or on the city’s website at ci.niles.mi.us. For further information, contact Ganum at (269) 683-4700 ext. 233.