In late June, the Town of Guilford received some good news from the state: The town has been selected to receive $400,000 in funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities program. The program will allow low- to moderate-income Guilford residents to apply for funds through the program to make their homes safer, healthier, and more efficient.

The town began work on applying for this program months ago. The grant application process was lengthy and complicated, but First Selectman Matt Hoey said in a prepared statement that the process was worth, shortly after the town received the money.

“I am very pleased that Guilford has been awarded this funding,” he said. “When I discovered this program through the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, I insisted that the town participate in it. This will help homeowners perform much-needed repairs, maintenance, and modifications to their properties. I also want to thank [State] Representative Sean Scanlon (D-98) and our grant consultant Lisa Low of Low and Associates for working hard to make sure our town was approved for this grant.”

The money is given to towns with a population of fewer than 50,0000. With the amount of money awarded, 10 to 12 homeowners should be able to apply for a potion of the funds. To qualify for the money, homeowners must be up to date on municipal taxes, have 10 percent equity in the home, and not exceed a limited annual income threshold based on the number of people in the home.

The grant award was discussed at the Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting on July 2. Selectman Sandy Ruoff said this grant isn’t designed to create affordable housing, but to help current homeowners upgrade their existing homes to ensure the home is safe and compliant. Possible uses for the grant money already identified include replacing failed furnaces, roofs, windows, and septic system, and adding ADA modifications to homes such as entrance ramps and bathroom modifications.

Additionally, the money goes out as a zero-interest loan and is not due until the house changes title, giving individuals who can’t secure a bank loan another option. According to a press release announcing the funding, the grant also allows the town to establish a revolving loan fund in perpetuity to provide assistance to additional residents who need home repairs.

“One of the great things about Guilford is that we are home to people from all walks of life and this new funding will ensure that those most in need in our community will be able to get help making their homes safe and healthier,” said Scanlon in a statement. “I’m proud to have worked on behalf of the town to get this funding and I look forward to seeing the results of the program.”

Other towns along the shoreline applied for and received funding through this program as well, including Madison, which will receive $800,000 for the Concord Meadows senior housing community for new energy-efficient windows and ADA compliance bathroom upgrades.

“State investments like this allow older, retired people to remain in their communities longer. Other state investments allow younger people and families to experience home ownership through the creation of affordable housing,” said State Senator Ted Kennedy Jr. (D-12) in a statement. “These are both positive investments in the people of Guilford and Madison.”