NILES — The city of Niles has received a $14,000 grant from the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation’s Help for Homes Fund to support emergency repair needs or code enforcement deficiencies for low to moderate income qualified homeowners.

The city will offer grants for roofing, furnace, electrical repairs or new water heaters, with no repayment requirements to income qualified homeowners who have been cited by code enforcement as needing repairs to keep their homes in a habitable condition.

The city will offer qualified homeowners the following assistance:

• Roof repairs: $2,500, two grants

• Furnace repairs: $1,500-$2,500, three grants

• Water heaters: $500, three grants

• Electrical repairs: $500, two grants

Niles Fire Chief Larry Lamb said he was happy to see the grants available to community members.

“This grant is important because it helps reach or maintain code compliance, which makes our neighborhoods a safer and cleaner environment for all,” Lamb said. “During these times of financial hardship, this grant can make a big difference.”

Eligible homes will be identified by code enforcement and qualified homeowners can expect to submit applications, income information, and estimates from licensed Michigan contractors. As the city will not be providing all funding, the homeowner will have to prove that they have the remaining funds available or that the contractor is willing to negotiate a payment plan with them.

For more information, contact Carrie Nyenhuis, Commuity Development Block Grant coordinator.