City of Joplin and Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area Partner to Offer Community Revitalization through JHRP-2

Joplin’s community revitalization efforts continue with the introduction of the Joplin Homeowner Rehabilitation Program-2 (JHRP-2). The City of Joplin and the Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area (ESC) have partnered to help single-family homeowners rehabilitate and preserve existing affordable housing. Through JHRP-2, qualifying homeowners can receive up to $25,000 to complete identified structural projects on their homes.

“This program will address some major structural needs that homeowners face but may not have the resources for completion,” said City Manager Nick Edwards. ”These home repairs will help prevent further deterioration of existing homes, contribute to a better living environment, and enhance the quality of life for our residents. We are excited to have Economic Security as a partner in this effort. They have much experience in this area, and their skills will be an incredible asset as we work together to assist homeowners.”

Through the JHRP-2 Program, qualified applicants receive needed home repairs at no cost to the homeowner. Repairs could include, but are not limited to, roof repairs/replacement, siding replacement, window replacement, porch repairs, HVAC upgrades, and sidewalk repairs.

The JHRP-2 Program has been established to assist homeowners who reside within one of the four Qualified Census Tracts 101, 106, 108, and 110* within the city limits of Joplin. See the enclosed map for details, or go here, click on the map, and then click on the listed category of “Qualified Census Tracts.” The maximum allocation per home is up to $25,000 in JHRP-2 funding for eligible repairs.

“Economic Security is here to assist residents in many ways, and this program is another great tool we can offer for Joplin homeowners who need a little help,” said Ryan Patterson, ESC Chief Executive Officer. “Homes are an incredible asset, and we understand that. We’re proud to deliver the necessary resources to make improvements they’ve needed but couldn’t afford.”

To qualify for JHRP-2, the following criteria must be met:

• Application is for an owner-occupied single-family dwelling;
• Home is located within one of the four Qualified Census Tracts; and
• Structure is not a manufactured or mobile home.

“The goal of the housing revitalization programs is to improve the housing stock in our community for future generations. By facilitating this work, we believe property values will increase, vacancies will be reduced, homes will remain occupied, and the number of code enforcement incidents will also be reduced. These all contribute to a better community and quality of life for our residents,” said Edwards.

For more information about the program or to request an application, please contact ESC’s Home Repair Department at 417.781.4437 or visit ESC’s Home Repair Office at 1924 West 4th Street or the Central Office at 302 South Joplin Avenue in Joplin. Additional program details are listed here.

 All applications must be turned in to ESC’s office at 1924 West 4th Street, either through the mail or in person.

Application Process:

• ESC will accept applications and review them against program eligibility criteria.
• ESC will work with the homeowner to evaluate the property and develop a scope of work of eligible repairs and an associated cost estimate (up to $25,000)
• ESC and the owner will agree on the scope of work. ESC will then select from a list of qualified contractors to perform the selected repairs on the property.
• ESC, Contractor, City Building Inspectors, and Property Owner will participate in a closeout process to confirm repairs and gather final documentation.

 The City’s webpage on JHRP-2 can be found here.

JHRP-2 is the second of three grant-funded community revitalization programs the City has introduced this year to strengthen neighborhoods and boost investment across the city. The first program, Joplin Homeowner’s Assistance Program–2 (JHAP2), is in progress and assists with down payment and closing costs for qualifying homebuyers. The third program will assist with demolition costs for properties beyond repair.

This program is being supported 50% by federal award SLFRP4542 awarded to the State of Missouri through the Missouri Department of Economic Development by the U.S. Department of Treasury. The remaining 50% was awarded through ARPA to the City of Joplin by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

The American Rescue Plan was passed by Congress on March 10, 2021, and signed into law on March 11, 2021.

* The Census Tracts’ boundaries are roughly defined as:

• Census Tract 110 – C Street south to Junge Blvd. and Maiden Lane east to Main St.
• Census Tract 108 –  Junge Blvd south to 26th St. and Maiden Lane east to Main St.
• Census Tract 101 – The north boundary runs along Turkey Creek south to 7th St. and Main St. east to Range Line
• Census Tract 106.01 – It is not a square, so it has two sets of boundaries.
• The first box is from 7th Street south to 15th St. and Main St. east to Connecticut.
•  The second box is from 15th St. south to 20th St. and from Ohio east to Connecticut.

Reference:

Curtis Scott, Director of Home Repair
Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area
417.781.4437

Lynn Iliff Onstot, Public Information Officer
City of Joplin
417.624.0820, ext. 204
LOnstot@joplinmo.org