Mount Rainier, MD (October 16, 2023) – The City of Mount Rainier today announced $150,000 in funding for a Home Repair Program for its residents. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the program will provide up to $7,500 to income-eligible households to support home improvements and repairs of their houses. 

The City of Mount Rainier, known for its historic charm, has roughly 1,160 single-family homes. The median year houses were built is 1951, with many being built before 1939, and just a few built in the last 15 years. The new Home Repair Program is designed to improve the City’s overall quality of life and to beautify the community by providing financial assistance to eligible households to undertake specific interior and exterior home improvements and repairs. 

“This is an excellent investment for the City, and community members” said Mayor Celina Benitez, "homeownership is one of the best ways to build wealth in this Country, any number of factors such as maintenance, repair, and improvements can saddle homeowners with debt.” 

The program was introduced by Ward 2 Councilmember Valerie Woodall which received unanimous support from the City Council during the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Process.

“Buying and maintaining a home is no small matter. Many new buyers stretch initial budgets for the purchase of their home and long-term residents often want to update or address maintenance issues in their homes but don’t have the funds to address them. When homes fall into disrepair, it can be difficult for homeowners to catch up with needed repairs, sell them or live comfortably. This program addresses that,” said Councilmember Woodall. 

City Manager Kourosh Kamali also underlined the importance of preserving and investing in our aging house stock, stating, “Our housing stock is aging, and it is important that we invest in its maintenance. This program offers homeowners the opportunity to make improvements such as roofing and siding upgrades, flooring, bathroom upgrades, foundation work, bamboo removal, porch repair, driveway improvements, and more.” 

To be eligible for the Home Repair Program, homeowners must meet specified requirements and must complete an application form to be considered for funding.