Toledo Reporter

The City of Toledo announced significant progress of its Rooftops Repair Program, which provided financial assistance and construction management for roof repair or replacement to up to 650 low- to moderate-income eligible households in the City of Toledo. This program stood as a beacon of support for the local community, especially for seniors aged 65 and above, who were on fixed incomes and resided in homes averaging 83 years in age.

The Rooftops Repair Program successfully identified and prioritized 250 homes for roofing repairs or replacements, a testament to the City's commitment to preserving legacy neighborhoods. The beneficiaries of this program, who shared an average age of 65 or older, could now look forward to improved living conditions and enhanced safety thanks to the concerted efforts of the City and its partners.

"The Rooftops Repair Program served as a lifeline for our older residents. Through this program, we were not just fixing roofs; we were ensuring comfort, security, and dignity for our seniors," Rosalyn Clemens, Director of Housing and Community Development, said. “We were focusing on roofs because if your roof goes, the rest of the house will deteriorate.”

Selected beneficiaries had a unique opportunity to receive a free grant ranging between $15,000 and $20,000, awarded through a lottery system that took place in December 2022. Those who had an income at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) were eligible for a roof replacement.

Construction began in July 2023, with 34 roofs already completed as of that date. The City worked in partnership with key organizations, including Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity and Toledo Urban Credit Union, to ensure the success of this initiative. Moreover, the City secured support from local banks offering signature loans tailored to individuals with an income of 80% AMI or below, who were not selected in the lottery.

"We understood the diverse needs of our community members, and that's why we worked diligently to provide multiple avenues of assistance," Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said. "Whether through grants, loans, or collaborative partnerships, we were dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of Toledo's residents." Updated 7/26/22

This program was made possible by an initial investment of approximately $3.1 million, with $2.9 million originating from the City's ARPA rescue funds and an additional $300,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The City's vision was to continue and grow the Rooftops Repair Program into a sustainable resource that consistently safeguarded homes and enhanced the overall well-being of Toledo's residents. Another Rooftops Repair Program lottery was planned for January 2024.

“I was thrilled to be here,” Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur said. “Without a roof we couldn’t be successful. We could put in a furnace, we could put in windows, and solar but without a roof we just simply could not turn over housing to the next generation in better condition than we found it.”

“A roof was more than just plywood and shingles. For those living in the home, it provided safety, comfort, health, and well-being. The roof was one of the most important structures of a home and one of the most expensive to maintain. For some Toledo residents it could have taken almost a year's worth of income to have it replaced,” Michael McIntyre, Executive Director of Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity, said. “If they didn't have a stable roof and a healthy home, what were their housing options. We were grateful for the continued partnership with the City of Toledo to prioritize more roof replacements in Lucas County. This was impactful work.”

As the Rooftops Repair Program continued to touch the lives of residents across Toledo, the City remained steadfast in its mission to build a stronger, more resilient community.

For additional information and updates on the program's progress, please visit: toledo.oh.gov/rooftops 

Original source can be found here.