PROJECT AREA and PURPOSE. The City may provide owner occupied emergency repair to assist very low, low, and moderate income clients in their housing needs. City funding may be used to correct limited housing code violations or other conditions that create an immediate health or safety threat to the owners who occupy the housing. Emergency repairs are generally considered to be events that are unforeseen and not due to a lack of maintenance or neglect of the homeowner’s residence. Repairs that may be addressed under this emergency repair strategy include, but are not limited to, roofing, plumbing (supply line leak, sewer/septic tank systems failure, no water, etc.), heating, air conditioning (only if documented medical necessity) and dangerous electrical hazards constituting an immediate threat to the health, safety and welfare of the occupants. Damage resulting from crime including theft and vandalism may be considered for repair provided it is fully documented by the Lakeland Police Department and the damage is not otherwise covered by the owner’s property insurance. Emergency repairs not exceeding $3,000 require a soft income certification. Emergency repairs which exceed $3,000 shall require full income certification and fall under the strategy of Home Owner Occupied Emergency Repair. Emergency repair assistance shall be limited to a maximum $20,000. In order for a client to receive emergency repair assistance, that client must have the above mentioned emergency needs. If after the emergency repairs are complete the homeowner requires further rehabilitation assistance, they may submit an application during the Open Enrollment period of the Neighborhood Services Division’s Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program. If a client is currently on the applicant list and a dire emergency arises, the emergency repairs may be completed and the date for placing the client’s name on the applicant list shall be the date of the first request for assistance. Providers may, if qualified, provide employment opportunities to clients of the State Work Development Initiative (WDI) and the Welfare Transition Program. This Program shall be operated in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations of the City, the State of Florida, and Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
