Housing Programs

Aiding Homeowners

Lima is a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement community and a HOME participating jurisdiction. These federal resources assist homeowners through housing rehabilitation loans and a First Time Homebuyers program:

Emergency Repair* - This program is designed to assist low to moderate income resident homeowners by repairing emergency major health and safety issues, up to a maximum of $10,000.  The applicant cannot exceed 80% of AMI. 

Safe at Home* - A repair program designed to assist homeowners over the age of 60 or with a disability. Eligible repairs include: handrails, grab bars, smoke and CO detectors, doorknobs and deadbolts, door repairs, security lighting, and minor bathroom modifications, up to $7,500. The applicant can’t exceed 80% of AMI.

First Home Lima* - A down payment assistance program for households buying their first home in Lima with income below 80% of the median income. Household income cannot exceed the amounts listed on the chart below. Homebuyers may earn up to $14,999 toward down payment and closing costs by participating in the First Home Lima Housing Counseling Program. Property sales are limited to $157,000 for single-family units and $201,000 for duplex units. Click the link to complete the application packet. 

* For all three programs listed above, the repayment amount of five year forgivable loan reduces at the rate of 20% per year if the homeowner maintains insurance coverage, retains ownership, and resides in the home for a period of 5 years.

HOME Update- A repair program designed to assist resident homeowners by repairing major health and safety violations, up to a maximum of $48,000. The home must meet HUD standards.  The applicant can’t exceed 80% of AMI. The first $24,000 is a five year forgive-able loan and any amount needed for the project scope beyond $24,000 is a repayable loan with interest rates of 0-1%.

Better Together- A repair program designed to assist resident homeowners with the health and safety repairs and Lima Property Maintenance Code violations, up to a maximum, of $48,000 in repairs. Applicants can earn up to 100% of AMI. The first $24,000 is a five year forgive-able loan and any amount needed for the project scope beyond $24,000 is a repayable loan with interest rates of 0-1%.

Lead Hazard Control Program -  A grant program to remediate lead-based paint hazards for low income populations. This program requires that the property was built before 1978 and is within Lima city limits. A child under 6 years old must live at or visit the property at least 20 hours a week. Homeowners are income eligible at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) and tenants are income eligible at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI). Taxes must be current or a payment plan is approved. The property can not be in foreclosure and must be in decent, safe and sanitary condition, and structurally sound with no major deficiencies. Click the link to complete the application packet.