Low and moderate income homeowners, now is the time to make those repairs before winter sets in. No cost, low interest (0 – 3 percent) loans are available through Oakland County’s Community and Home Improvement Division (OCCHI) to qualified homeowners. For more than 30 years, OCCHI has helped low and moderate income homeowners make needed repairs, maintain or increase their property value, decrease utility costs, and help seniors to continue living in their homes by providing barrier free access.
"For years, this program has helped to strengthen our communities one home at a time," said Maureen Krauss, deputy director for Oakland County Economic Development & Community Affairs. "We are pleased to offer these low interest home improvement loans to our qualified residents."
A qualified homeowner must own and live in the home and have a gross income that falls within the income guidelines. For example, a family of four with a gross annual income of $55,900 or less qualifies for the home improvement loan. This program is available to residents of the 50 participating communities in Oakland County. Residents of Southfield, Waterford, Pontiac, Farmington Hills and Royal Oak should contact their city administrative offices.
A homeowner can obtain a loan for as much as $18,000, provided there is sufficient equity in the home. OCCHI will assist with the loan application process and Oakland County certified technicians will inspect your home for needed repairs. Homes built before 1978 will be given a free lead paint assessment if children are currently living in the home. OCCHI will prepare your home improvement bid and accept quotes from their list of pre-qualified, licensed and insured contractors. The homeowner has the choice of going with the lowest bidder, or select another bidder and pay the difference from the low bid price. Repairs during construction will be monitored by an Oakland County technician.
A sample of eligible projects are new roofs, windows, siding, doors, plumbing, electrical, heating, water heaters, water and sewer systems, kitchens, bathrooms, porches, barrier free access, wells, septic systems, and basement waterproofing. Improvements to rental property, condominiums or mobile homes are not eligible.
For more information, call Oakland County Community and Home Improvement at 1-888-350-0900 extension 8-5401 or visit www.oakgov.com/chi.
to make those repairs before winter sets in. No cost, low interest (0 – 3 percent) loans are available through 
A sample of eligible projects are new roofs, windows, siding, doors, plumbing, electrical, heating, water heaters, water and sewer systems, kitchens, bathrooms, porches, barrier free access, wells, septic systems, and basement waterproofing. Improvements to rental property, condominiums or mobile homes are not eligible.