Frequently Asked Questions about ARPA Programs
What is ARPA funding?
The American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, was passed by the Biden Administration in 2021 to deliver direct relief to Americans. The City of Dayton received ARPA funding and is putting it towards the Dayton Recovery Plan, a plan dedicated to immediate recovery needs and to creating long-term investments for the city.
Some of these funds have been specifically allocated to critical home repairs for homeowners within the city of Dayton.
2. Which organizations have ARPA funding?
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton
Rebuilding Together Dayton
County Corp
3. Are there limits on WHERE the APRA funds can be spent?
Yes; as part of the Dayton Recovery Plan, the city designated 6 priority neighborhoods where the money should be focused. A resident must live in one of the following neighborhoods to be eligible for ARPA funding:
Old North Dayton
5 Oaks
Wolf Creek
Carillon
Edgemont
Miami Chapel
Not sure which neighborhood you live in? Check out this map: Map – Dayton Neighborhoods (liveindayton.org) !
4. What can the funds be used for?
Funding is focused on addressing critical repairs, emergency situations, and situations that impact health and safety of the resident(s) for single-family residential houses.
Each organization's ARPA contract with the city has different obligations:
Habitat for Humanity: roofs only
Rebuilding Together Dayton: essential interior and exterior repairs that impact the health and safety of residents
County Corp: exterior code violations
5. Is there a full list of repairs that can be covered?
Roofs
Major external repairs, including siding, fascia, soffit
Bathroom accessibility modifications
Critical accessibility modifications
Essential electrical repairs
Essential plumbing repairs
Other repairs might also be possible. Feel free to ask!
6. What can the programs NOT do?
Anything NOT attached to the house (such as detached garages)
Privacy fences
Tree trimming or removal
House cleaning and junk removal
(Windows are case by case)
*This list changes based on available funding. If you need something done that is on this list or that you are unsure if we do, we encourage you to give us a call!
7. What are all the eligibility requirements for ARPA funding?
You live in one of the 6 priority neighborhoods
You own and live in your home (The homeowner's name must be on the deed.)
You are up-to-date on property taxes or on a payment plan
There are NO:
income requirements
age requirements
8. I live in an ARPA neighborhood but do not meet all of the requirements. Is there anything I can do?
Transferring Deeds:
If your name is not on the deed and there was no "transfer on death" written in a will, you will likely have to go through probate court.
For additional information about the transfer of deeds, please call 937-225-4373. You can also email the County Auditor's Office with questions or to have forms mailed to you.
Link to website with more information: https://www.mcohio.org/653/Deed-Transfer
Behind on Property Taxes:
The Montgomery County Treasurer’s Office does offer a delinquent payment plan. Property owners entering into a monthly payment contract become current on their property taxes by paying toward all new taxes while paying off prior delinquent taxes, all without accruing additional interest and penalty.
Please go to the Treasurer's Office (451 W. 3rd, 2nd floor, Dayton (hours M-F 8-5pm) or call 937-225-4010, Option 2 to speak with a Delinquency Specialist.
If payments are missed, the agreement is void and any penalty and interest that was frozen will be added back in. Any property more than one-year past due, and NOT on a payment plan, is subject to foreclosure and a tax lien.
Link to website with more information: https://www.mcohio.org/government/elected_officials/treasurer/delinquency_payment_plans/index.php
If you need additional assistance navigating a situation, feel free to reach out to DEC. We will do the best we can to connect you to resources.
9. Can programs address indoor environmental concerns, such as pest control, mold remediation, lead abatement, and asbestos removal?
Programs can address these issues on a case-by-case basis.
10. Can the programs work on duplexes?
This depends on the organization; Habitat for Humanity can never work on duplexes. However, other programs might be able to if the house has been changed to single-family house (filed with the County Auditor), the homeowner lives on both sides, and does not rent out the other side.
11. What is the Dayton Home Repair Network (DHRN)?
The Dayton Home Repair Network is a collaboration of organizations with home repair and weatherization programs. Together, the network partners are building an efficient process for working together and leveraging more resources for residents. Partners of the network include:
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton
Rebuilding Together Dayton
County Corp
Miami Valley Community Action Partnership
Liberty High School Construction program
Dayton Energy Collaborative
The City of Dayton
12. Who is Dayton Energy Collaborative and what is their role in the Dayton Home Repair Network?
Dayton Energy Collaborative (DEC) is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to facilitating network collaboration. Think of us the front door, or first step, for accessing home repair resources in Dayton!
Call us and we will walk you through the partner program eligibility screening and determine what program(s) you are eligible for. We will then work with you throughout the application process.
13. How do I apply for ARPA or Dayton Home Repair Network programs?
They are the same steps for both!
Steps:
1: Call or email DEC and we will walk you through the screener. We ask every individual to do this because we want to verify that you are eligible before you fill out the application! We also determine whether you might be eligible for additional partner programs. (See our contact info at the bottom of this page or click on our “Contact Us” page.)
2: We will mail or email you a universal application, based on your preference.
What is the universal application?
We have created a "universal application" that combines all Dayton Home Repair Network applications into one, allowing you to apply for everything at once and reducing the number of pages you need to fill out!
3: You fill out the application and make copies of the required documents.
4: Mail or email them to DEC. Directions for submission are on the first page of the application.
14. Can I apply online?
Not yet, but DEC is working on creating an online universal application! When it is ready, you will be able to access it here, on our website.
You can, however, access a printable version of the universal application on our website. Go to the home bar at the top, hover over “DHRN,” and click on “Universal Application.”
15. What does the universal application ask for?
General information about the homeowner and all household members
Information about the house
Income information
Consent for the programs to perform work on your house
Copies of the following documents:
Income documentation:
May include one or all of the following--90 days of check stubs, SSI letter, SSD letter, pension letter, unemployment letter, and/or child support letter
Deed or Mortgage Statement
Homeowner's Insurance Declaration Page (if applicable)
Proof of Property Taxes Payment Plan (if applicable)
Social Security Cards for all household members
Driver's License or State ID
16. What is the process to expect once you apply?
Once you submit the application, DEC staff will review it to ensure it is completely filled out. If anything is missing, we will follow up with you. We know the application is long, but it is in your best interest to fill it out in its entirety! This will speed up the process.
Once everything is together, DEC will submit your universal application to the organization program(s) you are eligible for.
The individual partner programs will then approve or deny your application.
If approved, they will reach out to schedule an assessment.
If you are approved for Habitat for Humanity through ARPA, you will be asked to get 2 roof bids.
***The estimated timeline of these steps varies widely, based on the funding available, number of residents applying, etc.
17. Can I apply for a friend or family member?
You can definitely assist a family member or friend to apply! However, the eligibility will be based on the homeowner's information and the application must be filled out with all their information and signed by them.
18. Can I refer a friend or family member?
Absolutely! Feel free to share our contact information with anyone. Or, you can give us their contact information and we will reach out.
19. Is there anywhere I can get help with the application?
Yes! DEC staff can provide application support.
If you have general questions that can be asked over the phone, call or text DEC.
If you need assistance filling it out or do not have access to a printer, scanner, or the internet, DEC can schedule an appointment to assist.
20. Do I have to pay back the money for repairs? Is this a loan? Will this put a lien on my house?
No to all 3 questions! If you are approved for any program within the Dayton Home Repair Network, you will not pay anything and will not have to pay back anything. Additionally, all programs ensure no lien will be put on your house.
21. I just received a code violation from the city. What do I do?
Reach out to DEC.
We will connect with County Corp (who has specific funding to address exterior code violations) and other programs you may be eligible for.
22. Is there a deadline to apply?
The money for the ARPA program must be spent by the end of 2025. If it runs out before that, we will notify residents.
23. What if I live outside of an ARPA neighborhood? Can I still get home repair assistance?
Yes! You may be eligible for Dayton Home Repair Network's regular programs. We will take you through the same process, starting with the eligibility screening, and then the universal application.
24. Why is the process so slow?
Organizations are handling a high volume of applicants every single day. Every organization is running their normal programs that cover the entire county (and for some, beyond) at the same time that they are running their ARPA-funded programs.
We understand this can be frustrating and appreciate your patience as we work to improve the process.
25. Can renters apply for anything?
Unfortunately, you must be a homeowner to be eligible for ARPA or any of the home repair programs. However, renters can apply to Miami Valley Community Action Partnership's weatherization program, with consent from the landlord.
This program starts with a full home energy audit. They will then determine the measures needed to make the house more energy efficient.
Measures may include:
efficient furnace
efficient water heater
insulation
ventilation
Follow this link: https://miamivalleycap.org/weatherization/ and click on "Renter Application" under the "How to Apply" section to download the program application.
26. What if I still have questions?
Best place to reach out is DEC!
Contact information:
Aileen, Community Engagement Coordinator: (937) 369-0654 You can call or text this number. If I do not answer, please leave a voicemail and a staff member will return your call within 3 days.
Email: info@daytonenergycollaborative.org
ARPA funding funding comes from the City of Dayton, as part of the Dayton Recovery Plan