EXTERIOR HOME REPAIR PROGRAM

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Thank you for your interest in the Greater Circle Living Employer Housing Assistance Program.

At this time, the program is not accepting applications for home purchase assistance, home repair assistance, or rental assistance. Available funding has been fully allocated, and the program is currently closed to new applicants.

The Greater Circle Living Employer Housing Assistance Program is expected to restart in 2027. We appreciate your interest and encourage you to visit this page periodically for future announcements.

The Cleveland Foundation will be pausing [its] contribution to Greater Circle Living while they assess the program and its 15-year impact on Greater University Circle neighborhoods. The Cleveland Foundation will use the assessment to inform and support the reimagination of the program and Working Household's fund. Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation will continue providing technical assistance throughout the calendar year.

EXTERIOR HOME REPAIR EMPLOYEE REQUIREMENTS

Employee must meet eligibility requirements (please see your employer’s website or contact your benefits/human resources department for a definition of an eligible employee). Each employer has different eligibility requirements.
Employee must own and occupy the home as his/her primary residence. Vacation homes and second homes are NOT permitted.
Employee must receive a written commitment from FRDC before beginning any of the exterior home repair work. Payment will NOT be made for repairs completed prior to the date on the letter of written approval. Employee must contribute at least a 25% match of the requested funds.
This program can only be used once regardless of the amount of assistance received.
Employees who have accepted a forgivable loan to purchase their home are NOT eligible for the exterior home repair assistance program.
The program can only be used by one family member per household.

Program funds are provided on a first-come, first-served basis upon approval of complete application, which includes all required documentation and funding availability.

All applicants must have Home owner’s Insurance.

HOME ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Home must be located in the designated GCL Target Area. View Map.
Single or two-family units and condominiums/townhomes are permitted. Multi family (three units or more) properties are NOT permitted.
Employee must be the homeowner.
Employee must apply for the exterior home repair program and must receive an approval notification from the GCL program in advance of work being contracted or completed.
Exterior renovations may include: painting, roofing, lighting, porches, steps, front yard landscaping, exterior façade work, windows, fencing and siding. Funds may not be used for interior renovation work.

View GCL Map

APPLICATION PROCESS

STEP

Check employer eligibility requirements via employer website HR/Benefits department.

STEP

Complete Inquiry Form (online in person, or print and fax completed form to 216-361-8407).

STEP

Apply for approval of home repairs by returning the completed application and supporting documents to GCL. Administrator will verify eligibility with employer.

STEP

Receive a GCL home inspection to identify any exterior health and safety repairs needed and to determine the scope of work and cost estimate for proposed exterior home repairs and health and safety repairs.

STEP

Receive a written commitment for funding from GCL for repairs

STEP

Identify “match-contribution” method for proposed repairs (i.e., funds or donated labor/sweat equity).

If the employee’s match is in the form of matching funds, a certified check for that amount must be submitted to the GCL Administrator before any assistance is provided.
If the match is in the form of donated labor/sweat equity, all work must be GCL-approved and completed in accordance with the proposed schedule to receive assistance and within 30 days of the date of commitment for GCL funds.

STEP

Employee must obtain two (2) estimates from two (2) contractors after the GCL initial inspection for the proposed work identified/listed in the GCL inspection specifications.

Contractors must be licensed, bonded and insured.
Contractors must be registered with the municipality if permits are reuqired.
Contractor(s) must submit bid based upon specifications provided by GCL.

STEP

Employee meets with GCL Administrator to execute GCL required documents prior to beginning project.

STEP

GCL will execute contract with selected contractor(s)/supplier(s) to complete exterior home repairs.

STEP

Home improvements are completed.

STEP

GCL construction analyst will conduct an inspection to approve and ensure work has been completed.

STEP

Employee will complete a home improvement close-out certification form.

STEP

Payment will be made directly to contractor(s) and/or supplier(s) after invoice and required documentation is received from contractor(s) and/or supplier(s).

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