Revere Housing Board Expands Senior Repair Program, Eyes New Aid for Homebuyers

By Barbara Taormina

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees reviewed the results of the Senior Citizen Home Repairs Program at their meeting on Nov. 12. The program provides grants of up to $5,000 to help with essential home repairs and accessibility improvements. Funded by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and private donations, the program runs on a first-come, first served basis until the money is exhausted.

“This was a great success,” Board Chair Joseph Gravellese told fellow board members. According to Gravellese, after launching the program at the Senior Center, the board had 26 applications within a week. Gravellese figured there would have been 50 or more applicants had the application period been extended.

“The rules we set are fair and appropriate,” said Gravellese, adding that the first-come, first served rule was set because the funding for the program was limited.

He acknowledged there were several challenges with the applications. Seniors applying for assistance were required to submit a professional estimate for the work. Gravellese said it was difficult to get contractors to visit homes to provide a written estimate, especially if the job was small. The online application was a hurdle for some seniors, but digital navigators were available at the senior center to help with applications.

“We did everything as fairly as we could,” said Gravellese acknowledging the work board members put into developing the application and the program guidelines.

Board members asked what type of repairs seniors needed. Gravellese said it was a mix of everything. Applications for assistance with roof repairs were common. Also requests for bathroom renovations with grab bars and comfort-high toilets came through repeatedly. Also, applications for a grant for a chair lift, HVAC work and heating system repairs were also among the requests for assistance.

Gravellese said that of the 26 applications, 12 were conditionally approved, costing $19,525, and six others had signed contracts. Gravellese explained that he received two completed applications at the same time, making the first-come, first served rule difficult to determine. He proposed adding $5,000 more to the program to ensure fairness. The board voted unanimously to add the extra funding. The board agreed that those who submitted competed applications but did not receive a grant this year will be first in line on a waiting list for next year.

The board also reviewed the results of the First-Time Home Buyer Downpayment Assistance Program. The program provides eligible residents with $10,000 in downpayment assistance. The loan becomes a grant after five years if the applicant remains in the home as a primary residence. Each year, 20 percent of the loan is forgiven, and repayment is only required if the property is transferred or sold. Gravellese said there have been two recipients in the program and several conditional approvals for residents still looking for a home in their price range.

Gravellese also proposed creating a database of all residents who have inquired about financial assistance with housing. He suggested using that list to inform residents when affordable homes and units become available. He mentioned that one condo was still available at 133 Salem St., an affordable development. The lottery for units in the building is complete, and one unit is left.

“We want to make sure Revere residents have the opportunity to consider these properties,” said Gravellese.

He also proposed giving developers some help by waiving a 1.5 percent administrative fee in exchange for giving Revere residents priority on affordable units.

Finally, Gravellese proposed setting aside a small pool of funding to help home buyers with closing costs. He proposed $4,000 as a start to a program for closing cost assistance.

Board Treasurer Anayo Osueke said he supported the idea, but he felt $4,000 was inadequate. Fees and closing costs can add up to more than $1,000, and Osueke proposed launching a closing assistance program with $10,000. The trust fund currently has more than $600,000 and Osueke said the board could afford it.

The board tabled the motion on the new assistance program to give Gravellese time to research average closing costs in the area.