DeKalb County is getting a $500,000 HOME program grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) to help local families with home repairs.

County Mayor Tim Stribling made the announcement during Thursday night’s meeting of the whole that DeKalb County is getting a $500,000 HOME program grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). This is to help local families with homes repairs. The grant will be administered by the Upper Cumberland Development District.

HOME program funding is intended to help families of low income, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities who cannot afford to rehabilitate their homes. At least 10 or more homeowners will get help with issues such as leaking plumbing, unsafe flooring, faulty wiring, damaged roofs and more. The $500,000 HOME program grant is the largest amount that can be issued to a single organization.

“They will set apart $50,000 each for ten homes and if the entire $500,000 in grant money is not used then the rest could be spent on other homes,” said County Mayor Stribling.

The HOME program is funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered in Tennessee by THDA. HOME grants must be used for the production, preservation or rehabilitation of affordable housing for low and very low income families and individuals.