MISSION VIEJO : Home-Repair Loans, Grants Available

Low-income Mission Viejo residents who need to make home repairs but cannot afford them may apply now for home-improvement grants or low-interest loans through a federal program being administered by the county.

County officials say $100,000 in federal grant funds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for property owners who meet income and other guidelines set by the federal government.

Joe Tran, supervisor of the county housing preservation program, said that for an individual to qualify, his or her basic income must not exceed $26,600 per year.

Two-person households must make less than $30,400 annually, and four-person households must make less than $38,000.

Mission Viejo has a reputation for being an upper-middle class community and, Tran said, $100,000 “probably won’t be enough to meet the needs” of the city.

Many homes in the city are 20 to 25 years old, and “if they are occupied by retired persons living on Social Security, then they probably don’t have enough money to fix their houses,” Tran said.

The funds will be distributed in the fall. They may be used for household improvements and repairs, including exterior and interior painting, Tran said.

Property owners who want to apply may call a county loan counselor at (714) 568-4199.