Applications open for Galesburg’s Housing Repair Assistance Program

GALESBURG, Illinois — Applications are now open for Galesburg’s Housing Repair Assistance Program, which assists low- to moderate-income individuals with home maintenance. The program was introduced in 2022 and has since supported over 100 projects.

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 

New changes to the program for 2025 include expanded eligibility for registered renter-occupied single-family homes, an increase in the maximum funding available per project to $5,000 and an expansion of the types of projects that qualify for assistance. 

To qualify for the program, household income must be under 80% of the area median income, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The property must be within Galesburg city limits. A list of the number of household members and income that meet this requirement can be found below:

• 1-person household: $48,550
• 2-person household: $55,450
• 3-person household: $62,400
• 4-person household: $69,300
• 5-person household: $74,850
• 6-person household: $80,400
• 7-person household: $85,950
• 8-person household: $91,500

Applicants must provide proof of income and liquid assets, proof of homeownership, cannot be delinquent on water/sewer/refuse accounts and have two estimates from different contractors for the project. For renters, the application must be submitted by the property owner with a copy of the lease for proof of rental. Income and liquid asset requirements only apply to the tenants living at the property. 

Funded projects are subject to the availability of funds, with a maximum of $5,000 in assistance available per applicant. Up to $6,000 may be available from supplemental funding from CBI Bank and Trust through the Galesburg Community Foundation. There is no secondary application for supplementary funding, and it is issued on a case-by-case basis. All funding decisions are made by the City of Galesburg and awarded until funding is exhausted. 

Homeowners are responsible for 5% of the project’s cost and any cost exceeding the awarded funding. If selected, payment from the City to the contractor will not take place until all the work is complete and all required inspections are done. 

Individuals can pick up applications in the Community Development Department on the second floor of Galesburg City Hall, or by using the citizen request center on the City’s website. Homeowners are encouraged to discuss their application with the associate planner for helpful details. Once applications are completed with all required documents, applicants should call 309-345-3652 to set up an appointment to review their application. 

There are several eligible types of projects that qualify for assistance. A list of those can be found here.