City of Tulare
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Active Programs
First-Time Homebuyer Program
With state HOME Program grant funds, the City partners with Self-Help Enterprises to offer income eligible families financial assistance to purchase a newly constructed or existing home within the City of Tulare. The program is designed to offer secondary financing to keep payments on a primary mortgage at an affordable rate. The grant funds are provided in the form a secondary loan to cover most, if not all, of a down payment and/or closing costs. A typical loan through this program typically involves a deferred 30-year or more repayment period at zero to one percent annual interest and secured by a second Deed of Trust. Contact Self-Help Enterprises staff to learn more at (559) 651-1000.
Home Rehabilitation Programs
With state grant funds through the HOME and CalHome Programs, the City partners with Self-Help Enterprises to offer income eligible households financial assistance to accomplish substantial improvements to their single-family units within the City of Tulare. Aid is provided to owner-occupied households in the form of a low interest deferred payment loan. Moderate and low-income homeowners may use the loan to complete essential health and safety improvements. Typical projects address substandard roofing, plumping, electrical, siding, flooring, and handicap accessible modifications. Contact Self-Help Enterprises staff to learn more (559) 651-1000.
And with federal grant funds through the CDBG Program, the City partners with Habitat for Humanity of Tulare/Kings Counties to offer income eligible households financial assistance to complete minor repairs to specific feature(s) at their single-family units. Aid is provided to owner-occupied households in the form of a grant with no requirement of repayment as long as the recipient remains in their home for an extended period of time. Typical projects address specific substandard conditions including roof replacement, HVAC repair or replacement, fascia and siding repair, and handicap accessible modifications. Contact Habitat for Humanity staff to learn more at (559) 734-4040 ext. 102 or saik@hfhtkc.org.
Utility Assistance
Community Services Employment Training (CSET) is providing financial relief to Tulare County households struggling with their current utility bills. Through its Water and Energy Bill Assistance programs, renters and homeowners may receive one-time financial assistance for their water and electric utility bills. Additionally, eligible households may qualify for assistance with home weatherization and energy-related repairs. Basic education on energy conservation practices and budget counseling will also be provided.
To apply for financial assistance from LIHEAP or LIHWAP, applicants can call CSET’s Energy Assistance Hotline at 1-844-224-1316. A representative will schedule their appointment and help answer questions regarding the assistance. Eligibility is based on several factors including household income, size, and utility costs. Applicants will need to provide documentation to verify identity, residence, utility costs and income.
More information about each program is available at:
- LIHEAP: www.cset.org/energy-assistance
- LIHWAP: www.cset.org/lihwap