Development News for O'Fallon, Missouri

O'Fallon Grants and Assistance Division Details Programs Funded by HUD and Private Donations

The City of O'Fallon receives federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program from HUD to deliver programs and services benefiting low to moderate-income residents, seniors, and those with disabilities. O'Fallon has been an entitlement community since 2004, allowing them to decide how to spend these federal dollars. The Grants and Assistance Division manages several programs including three home repair programs (Interior, Exterior, and Mobile Home), an Emergency Homeless Prevention Program, a Down Payment Assistance Program, and a Transportation Program. The Home Repair programs offer grants or loans for necessary repairs to preserve the home's health, safety, and structural integrity, not for aesthetic updates. The Exterior Program provides up to $10,000 as a one-time grant for needs like siding replacement or roof repair. The Mobile Home Program offers up to $3,000 for mobile home-specific repairs. The Interior Program provides an interest-free forgivable loan up to $7,500, requiring the homeowner to reside in the home for five years. HVAC repairs are a significant request. The Down Payment Assistance Program uses HOME funds, not CDBG, and can provide up to $10,000 for down payment or closing costs for eligible O'Fallon residents purchasing a home in O'Fallon, requiring participation with a housing provider and one-on-one counseling. Affordable rental opportunities are also supported through HOME funds, with three homes purchased and rehabilitated for affordable rentals. The Emergency Homeless Prevention Program, administered through the CARE Service, provides financial assistance for rent, mortgage, or utilities up to three consecutive months or $1,500 to prevent foreclosure, eviction, or shutoffs; residents must first contact 211. Funding amounts and program specifics can be tailored to community needs, with a consolidated plan developed every five years involving citizen participation through input sessions and hearings. The Transportation Program offers eligible residents 18 one-way rides (nine round trips) within Saint Charles County for necessary medical appointments, with eligibility based on age (62+), income, or disability. Public services, including Emergency Homeless Prevention and Transportation, are capped at 15% of the annual allocation. Program qualifications vary, but residency in O'Fallon is a staple. Home Repair income limits are based on area median income (e.g., $71,300 gross for a two-person household), while Transportation eligibility includes age, income, or disability. The Down Payment Assistance Program is income-based with a housing cost limit (currently at or below $200,840). Project HOME is funded by private donations and administered by the office as a stopgap for emergency repairs or code violations not covered by HUD programs. Home repair work requires three bids from registered, insured contractors, with the homeowner selecting the contractor; payment is issued to the contractor after an approved inspection. For the Transportation Program, O'Fallon contracts with Axel Transportation for services. Applications for Home Repair and Transportation are available on the city's website (ofallon.gov/grants) or can be obtained by calling the office. Application information is kept confidential. [cite: 19-25, 31, 46-50, 51-53, 54-55, 56, 63-75, 76-84, 85-90, 91-107, 108-119, 153-169, 180-191, 195-211, 229-240, 246-258, 279-287, 288-294, 298-306, 308-314, 320-331, 333-335, 336-342, 344-345, 494-507, 358-387, 391-401, 403-428, 461-474, 484-485, 508-510, 511-515, 523-536]