The City of St. Augustine's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has launched a notable initiative aimed at assisting homeowners in the West City Community Redevelopment Area (WCCRA), a program titled the Revive & Restore Residential Repair Grant Program. This initiative offers grant funding up to $25,000 to income-qualified, owner-occupied residents needing essential health and safety repairs in their homes. In a release published by the City of St. Augustine website, the CRA expressed its commitment to supporting families burdened by limited resources and surging property taxes due to increased urban renewal efforts and demographic shifts within the community.
Aligned with the strategic objectives of the WCCRA Redevelopment Plan, the Revive & Restore Program follows in the footsteps of the Fix-It Up Residential Repair grant program from Lincolnville, focusing on the stabilization of the housing stock of long-term residents facing financial strain as property taxes climb. Grant applications, upon approval, kick off with a CRA inspection to review proposed repairs and materials and, after completion, a final CRA assessment to confirm the work has been done properly, however, due to restricted funding, some applicants might find themselves on a waiting list while grants awarded between $10,000 to $25,000 come with a ten-year lien—those below this threshold carry no lien.
Those interested in the Revive & Restore Program can obtain the application packet through a downloadable form on the CRA's web portal, as well as seek further information by contacting the CRA directly. Jaime D. Perkins, the Community Services Director, can be reached at [email protected] for issues related to the grant program or other CRA matters.
For media-related questions and additional commentary, individuals should refer to Melissa Wissel, the Communications Director, who is available at [email protected] or by phone with the details provided on the city's announcement.
