Operation One Touch
***Due to the overwhelming of applications for our minor home repair program, we have temporarily put a hold on accepting new applications.
Goal
The purpose of the Operation One Touch Program is to provide assistance to low and moderate income residents for household repairs to their home.
Source of Funds
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): The funding source for the Minor Repair Program is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Richland County receives funds from this program on an annual basis to implement housing and community development activities in Richland County.
Loan Amount
The program will provide up to $12,000 in CDBG funds per home for eligible repairs. Assistance will be provided in the form of a deferred forgivable loan.
No repayment is required. However, applicants must sign a written affidavit indicating that they will occupy the home as their primary residence for at least two (2) years after assistance is granted through the program.
Eligible Applicants
Must be qualified as a household of low to moderate income (Richland County must use HUD’s income limits which defines low to moderate income as 80% of the area median income with adjustments for household size. Annual income is subject to verification using the Part 5 Annual Income definition. The home must be their primary place of residence for at least one year.
A. Ownership
Applicants must be listed on the Deed as the property owner and have resided in the home as their primary residences for a minimum of 18 months prior to submitting an application. The County tax record(s) will be the primary source of information to determine ownership.
B. Occupancy
The applicant must occupy the home as their primary residence at the time of application for assistance. The applicant must also sign an affidavit indicating that they intend to occupy the home as their primary residence for at least two (2) years after assistance is granted through the Program.
C. Property Taxes
Applicants who owe delinquent property taxes to the County on any property are ineligible for program assistance. All delinquent property taxes must be paid prior to receiving assistance.
D. Maximum Income
The GROSS annual income for ALL household members cannot exceed the applicable income shown in the following chart:
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2022 MAXIMUM INCOME CHART
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Household Size
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Maximum Income (80% of the Area Median)
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1
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$45,150
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2
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$51,600
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3
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$58,050
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4
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$64,500
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5
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$69,700
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6
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$74,850
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7
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$80,000
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8
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$85,150
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Source: U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. These income figures are subject to change annually.
Application Checklist
*Items that are marked with an asterisk, are forms you will receive from our office*
Eligible Properties
A. Location
To qualify for grant assistance, the housing unit must be located within unincorporated Richland County.
B. Nature and Extent of Minor Repairs
As part of determining eligibility for this program, all housing units will be inspected to determine if repairs can be undertaken within the scope of the program. Factors to be evaluated include but are not limited to the type of repair, and the total cost of the repair(s). If a unit does not qualify for assistance based on the inspection, the homeowner will be notified.
C. Types of Structures
Structures eligible for this program are single‐family detached. Mobile manufactured homes are ineligible.
D. Maximum Number of Grants Per Property
A property may only receive one grant award from this program in a ten‐year period, with no more than two grant awards total per property.
E. Flood Insurance
If the property lies in the one‐hundred-year floodplain zone, flood insurance is required. Documentation of flood insurance must be provided with the application for assistance.
Eligible Repairs
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Water heaters
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Electrical/ Plumbing
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Roof
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Windows
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Floors
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HVAC
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Accessibility Improvements:
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• ADA Ramps
• Grab Bars
• Handrails
• Banisters
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Loan Description
80% of area median income or below (see attached HUD Income Limits listed above)
- First Come, First Served basis
- Term: 2 Years
- Interest Rate: 0%
- Repayment: Deferred Forgivable Loan. This type of loan is interest-free and requires no repayment as long as there is no change in ownership or occupancy for a period of two (2) years. If there is a change in the ownership or occupancy of the property a pro-rata (illustrated below) portion of the loan is due in full. (Based on the rate of 1/24th)
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Time Property Occupied after repairs
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Percentage of repayment
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2
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0%
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1 year - 23 months
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50%
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Less than 12 months
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100%
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Click here to submit your online application.
Click here to view a copy of the Operation One Touch Procedures & Policies.
For more information, please contact Adrienne Jackson at 803-576-2089.