The Champaign County Board of Commissioners announced this week that there are still funds available to assist low- to moderate-income homeowners make improvements to their homes through a Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) grant.

Improvements may include roofs, gutters, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, structural and handicapped access improvements. The assistance is provided through a five-year, 100 percent deferred forgivable loan and a 100 percent grant, depending on the amount of assistance received.

Homeowners with incomes less than 80 percent of the county median income may be eligible for the assistance. A single person household can make up to $33,600 a year, a two-person household up to $38,400 and a four-person household up to $48,000.

Applicants may live anywhere in Champaign County, including the city of Urbana. While there has been significant interest from Urbana residents, county-wide applications have been scarce. Therefore, the county is highly encouraging residents in St. Paris, Christiansburg, Woodstock, North Lewisburg, Mechanicsburg, Mutual and all townships to apply.

Anyone interested in obtaining an application for assistance or learning more about the program should contact the Champaign County CHIP office at 937-652-5158. Assistance is provided on a first come, first served basis. All work must be completed by September 2017.