Home Repair Program a Lifeline for Homeowners

Westerville Home Repair program is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City and Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). Though MORPC has provided home repair grants for more than 30 years, this is the first partnership between the organization and a member community. The City aims to provide support for home repairs that focus on safety, sustainability, energy efficiency, accessibility and urgent needs. After five successful home projects in the City, the grant program is proving to be more than just a financial assistance program; it’s serving as a lifeline that restores hope and security to homeowners in need. By investing in homes, the program is investing in people, strengthening our community one home at a time.

Being no strangers to fixer-uppers, when Jackie and Jim Carithers purchased their home on Weyant Street in 2018, they continued their tradition of starting DIY projects, like they had done so many times before. Their residence was constructed from a catalog kit in 1954 and needed significant updates. There was non-existent flooring, missing closet doors, oil-painted murals, a deteriorating foundation and all-but-barren landscaping. Retired and in their 70s at the time, the Carithers breathed new life into their home, one repair at a time.

Last spring, the Carithers had to replace their entire HVAC system in their home, which depleted the majority of their home repair funds. After the upgrade, the Carithers knew they needed a roof replacement, but it would have to wait.

Mrs. Carithers happened to be reading a flyer she received in the mail, coming across a few sentences about the Home Repair Program. She immediately applied for the program in May 2024 and was approved for the program in September.

“Who could imagine? How could this be real?” said Mrs. Carithers, recalling her surprise at learning about the program.

After receiving program approval, the Carithers were quickly connected with a MORPC Residential Specialist. When the time came for the project to get started, the Carithers said they were astonished at just how much the program was able to do for them. The program covered the cost of the home and garage roof replacements and windows. Detached garages are not something MORPC normally covers in their program, but the Westerville program adds some extra flexibility. The entire project only took a few days to complete.

“Every time it rained, I worried about the roof, so we were thrilled," said Mrs. Carithers. “We could have never in a million years even done the roof ourselves; let alone the windows too. We have never had anything offered like this before.”

Mrs. Carithers was unsure about their approval for the program, but says she is filled with gratitude for the home repair grant.

“This has truly been a blessing in our lives, especially since my husband is no longer able to climb on the roof or install windows,” said Mrs. Carithers. “The new roof looks so great and we are so truly grateful for this amazing gift.”

Grant Eligibility

Applicants must own and reside in a single-family detached home in Westerville and have a total income at or below 100% of the Columbus area median income for families. The criteria is based on guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Visit www.Westerville.org/HomeRepair to view a complete list of requirements.