All County Veterans now have the new opportunity to carry out urgently needed repairs in their houses thanks to a $ 30,000 veteran house repair grant offered by Thrive.
The subsidy is financed by the Home Depot and managed via Housing Assistance Council.
The funds are specially designated for veterans with low incomes in all county. Thrive will distribute the money with the aim of helping at least seven veterans, with individual project prices generally between 2,500 and 4,900 US dollars.
The projects can include a variety of repairs or improvements that can be walked from accessible showers and replacement for hot water.
Patrick Zirjacks, coordinator of the Community Engagement in Thrive, said that the subsidy offers more flexibility than some of the other programs offered in the past, which were often limited by USDA regulations.
“With this we can carry out projects that we normally cannot replace Windows,” said Zirjacks. “We love to take accessible showering because they can be life -changing for older people, but really every project that gives the house security or efficiency could qualify.”
While roof replacement for this program is generally too expensive, smaller roof binding jobs for houses of modest size can be considered. Zirjacks noticed that smaller projects help to expand the financing to support more people. “If someone only needs 2,000 US dollars in repairs, it remains more for others,” he said.
Veterans of all ages are asked to apply, and applicants do not have to have served in the fight to qualify.
“If you have served the military, be it three years or 30 years old, you are a veteran,” said Zirjacks.
The grant is intended for households with low income, but the income limits can also vary depending on the family size. Zirjacks demands everyone who believes that he could apply, anyone who believes that they could apply. “Even if you believe that you may be close to the limit, please contact yourself – we will find out,” he said.
Applications are checked by a committee of five local community members, with decisions more on the project value and effects than on the identity of the applicant. The work is mainly completed by local contractors, although Thrive can bring external help if necessary.
Zirjacks emphasized the wider goal of keeping all County Homes in good repair – not just problems to fix problems after their origin. “It is not anyone to blame if houses are decayed. Repairs are expensive. If they decide to pay their electricity bill or repair their eaves, they will pay the electricity bill,” he said. “We want to help people catch themselves – and help them to remain obtained.”
Improving efficiency at home is another advantage, especially for older houses, the air left and the supply costs increase. “We have houses that are over 100 years old, without insulation. New windows or other repairs can live a house more and reduce monthly bills,” said Zirjacks.
The program is now open, but the application window is closed at the end of the month. All projects must be completed by the end of May 2026.
Objective veterans can either apply an application in Thrive Allen County, 9 S. Jefferson Avenue,, request one by phone at 620-365-8128 or request an email to info@thriveallencounty.org. Zirjacks noticed that he could even deliver an application to someone's house. A DD form 214 must check the military service.
“This is about making a real difference for veterans in our community,” said Zirjacks. “Home Depot wanted to concentrate on veterans, and we are proud to achieve this in all county.”