JACKSON, Wyo. — In September, Town Council and the Teton County Board of County Commissioners directed the Housing Authority Board to implement a no-interest micro-loan pilot program to cover accessibility improvements in affordable homes.
Starting on Monday, Oct. 6, older adults and people with disabilities can apply for up to $8,000 in home improvement loans through the Jackson/Teton County Housing Department. According to the Town, the pilot program will allow housing staff to better understand how they can help homeowners live more comfortably in their homes.
Part of the Housing Supply Plan’s Toolbox, the loan program is funded by a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. Only local residents who own a home with an affordable ownership deed restriction managed by the Jackson/Teton County Housing Department or Housing Authority are eligible to receive the loan, which must be repaid over time.
The loan fund will cover a variety of projects that increase home accessibility, including: purchasing and installing accessible laundry equipment, grab bars, non-slip flooring, toilet bidet seats, flexible light and home remote controls; replacing carpets with hard surfaces; improving window treatment controls; and upgrading closet storage.
According to staff notes, if the project includes physical upgrades to the applicant’s home, they must provide plans and cost estimates, and the work must be completed within six months of receipt of loan funds. If applicable, a building permit will be required. When the work is complete, an inspection will be required. For projects that do not include physical upgrades, proof of purchase must be provided within one month of receipt of loan funds.
A short application will be created and provided in person at the Housing Department or online via the Housing Department website, per the Town.
