MOUNT HOLLY – Twelve Burlington County households can make much-needed repairs and improvements to their homes in 2025 with the help of zero-interest loans from the County. The Burlington County Commissioners approved close to $300,000 in home improvement loans during the board’s Dec. 27 meeting, saying the funds would assist the low- and moderate-income recipients with repairs to correct substandard conditions impacting health and safety. “Every Burlington County resident deserves to live in a safe and comfortable home, and the loans will provide these homeowners with the means to make important repairs and improvements without sacrificing other basic needs, such as food and health care,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “The loans make home ownership more affordable and help keep houses in good condition, so they benefit the recipients and local communities.” The 12 Burlington County Home Improvement loans are among the first approved by the Commissioners since the board revamped the program to make it more responsive to the hardships faced by low- and moderate-income families. The program provides up to $25,000 in zero-interest, deferred payment loans to income-eligible homeowners for critical home repairs or updates. Previously, residents who qualified for the loans were required to repay the full amount of the loan without interest whenever their home was sold or the residents moved. Under a change approved by the Commissioners, loans will be forgiven if recipients live in the house for a period of 10 years. The program is funded with aid received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is administered by the Community Development and Housing Division of the Burlington County Department of Human Services. To qualify for a loan, residents must be the legal owner of the property and resident in it as their principal residence. Income limits are set by HUD rules. Applications are accepted contingent on the availability of federal funding. In addition to the home improvement loans, the County provides emergency home repair and heater/AC replacement grants up to $10,000 to income-eligible homeowners to repair damages or conditions that may pose an immediate threat to the residents’ health, safety and welfare. The Commissioners also approved changes to both grant programs to make them more responsive. Many of the changes were funded with federal aid sent to Burlington County as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. “Home ownership is essential to our communities. The changes we made to these programs are working to ensure Burlington County stays affordable and accessible for everyone, including low- and moderate income workers, seniors and new families who might otherwise struggle,” Hopson said. — Courtesy of Burlington County