The City of Wheeling is now accepting applications for a Homeowner Repair Assistance Program for Homes Built Prior to 1940. Eligible residents could receive a one-time financial grant of up to $5,000 with a 20 percent match provided by the homeowner to aid with exterior home repairs and/or weatherization.

City Council passed an ordinance authorizing $500,000 for the program during Tuesday’s meeting. 

Director of Economic and Community Development Nancy Prager explained that some eligible expenses include exterior painting, exterior porch or structural repair, roof repair or replacement, exterior window or door replacement and insulation. The deadline to apply is 4 p.m., June 5.

“To be eligible for the grant, the applicant must be the owner and occupant of the pre-1940-residence and the home must be located within the city limits of Wheeling,” Prager explained. “The annual household income must not exceed $120,000 and documentation of income will be required.”

Unlike the very successful Homeowner Repair Assistance Program that launched in October 2022 and was funded from the City’s American Rescue Plan allocation, this grant will NOT be managed on a first come, first serve basis.

“All applications will be reviewed following the June 5 deadline, they will be scored, and the top 100 applicants will be chosen to receive the funding. If you have received grant money in the past from the previous Homeowner Repair Assistance Program or the Façade Program, you are not eligible for this grant,” Prager said.

Additionally, the applicant must be current on all city accounts including water, garbage and fire service fee and must not have any outstanding City of Wheeling citations or judgements against them. The resident will be required to secure a building permit and follow all applicable codes. 

Councilor Jerry Sklavounakis said this program is an investment in our City.

“The Homeowner Repair Assistance Program for Homes Built Prior to 1940 is a continuation of City’s Council’s support to encourage and help homeowners invest in their residences, which ultimately enhances our neighborhoods and Wheeling as a whole,” he said.

Full details and applications are available in the Office of Economic and Community Development on the third floor of the City-County Building, 1500 Chapline Street or on the City’s website at https://www.wheelingwv.gov/departments/Economic-CommunityDevelopment.