Do you live in Hollywood and your house is in need of a facelift?<\/p>\n
The city is offering a Homeowner Occupied Rehabilitation Program, providing up to $150,000 to help with home improvements.<\/p>\n
According to the city’s community development manager, the program’s goal is not only to upgrade homes but to uplift families and foster neighborhood pride.<\/p>\n
“When they called me to say they were going to fix my house, I got so happy that I cried,” said Dominga Amparo, a home repair program recipient.<\/p>\n
Amparo has lived in her Hollywood home for 37 years. Since then, her husband has had a stroke, and she cares for her adult daughter, so home maintenance fell to the bottom of her to-do list.<\/p>\n
“I was looking at the paint in the house and I said, when they come over, I’m going to tell them I want the gray color,” said Amparo.<\/p>\n
Through the Neighborhood Pride program, residents can receive a conditional grant for up to $40,000 for exterior repairs such as impact windows, roofs, and driveways.<\/p>\n
“It’s limited to certain parts of the city, and there’s an income factor as well,” said Community Development Manager Ryon Cotte. “Anyone eligible must earn no more than 120% of the area’s median income.”<\/p>\n
There are also funds for housing rehabilitation, which come as a deferred loan of up to $150,000 for both exterior and interior repairs.<\/p>\n
“Anybody who lives in the City of Hollywood can take advantage of this program, though it is income-based because it’s funded through state and federal government,” Cotte added.<\/p>\n
There is no age requirement, but the city says more seniors and people with disabilities are taking advantage of the programs.<\/p>\n
As for Mrs. Amparo, her home will be one of 90 homes completed in 2025.<\/p>\n
“To my God and to you people, because you made my dream a reality. And I am so happy,” said Amparo.<\/p>\n
The city is now accepting applications and there is currently no waitlist. The sooner you apply, the sooner the work can begin.<\/p>\n
Learn more: https:\/\/www.hollywoodfl.org\/1194\/Neighborhood-Pride-Program-ILA<\/a><\/p>\n