Tuesday March 5, 2013

BRATTLEBORO -- There is still help out there for victims of Tropical Storm Irene.

"We’re accepting applications now for Irene victims with unmet needs," said Director of Home Ownership Michelle Morris.

Those who need assistance, even after 18 months since Irene, are encouraged to apply for a program that has funds available.

Applicants must be deemed eligible for the Vermont Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program, which is offering grants or loans to local homeowners still feeling the impact of Irene. The program will assist those looking to make repairs to their homes or to assist with making down payments for replacement homes.

The lead administrator of the grant is an organization called Rural Edge, which has been one of the five NeighborWorks organizations chartered to help with communities impacted by the flood. The money allocated for the program comes from the state. It is a grant made by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The U.S. Department of Commerce had helped set up the Community Development program.

So far, the program has accepted four applications from Windsor County and two from Windham County. It is accepting applications from victims with or without assigned case managers. Other counties in the state are included for eligibility.

"We encourage people who think they may be eligible to apply," said Morris.

Applications for this program will

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be accepted until all the funds are allocated. There are various caps in different parts of the state.

Grant administrators will be keeping track of how much money has been committed to approved applications.

People who are interested in finding out whether they are eligible for the program should call the Windham and Windsor Housing Trust in Brattleboro at 802-246-2116.

Chris Mays can be reached at 802-254-2311, ext. 273, or cmays@reformer.com. Follow Chris on Twitter @CMaysReformer.