HVAC grants open for Moss Point residents
MOSS POINT, Miss. (WXXV)-The City of Moss Point is helping to improve the quality of life of its residents by assisting with home renovations.
Relief is here for some Moss Point residents as funding is now available to help with possible repairs to the homes.
Thanks to the Community Development Block Grant, $45,000 in grant money has been set aside to help with HVAC improvements for those that fall into the low to moderate income bracket.
Moss Point Manager of Titles and Grans Tom Hewlett tells News 25 what inspired the city to lend a hand. “We decided since we’ve had a couple of house fires recently from open face heaters that maybe we need to focus on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.”
This grant money also includes funding to replace hot water heaters. “Hot water heaters they go out 7 or 8 years, you know. So, and as, we have an aging population in that low-moderate income bracket that’s a pretty good chunk of money to come out at one time when you have to replace a water heater.”
Hewlett says this program can help save lives and especially help senior citizens on fixed incomes. “Well, our sincere hope is that we can reduce a number of house fires for one by replacing some of these open face heaters with really good sustainable heating systems that will last for another 10-15 years. We find that an awful lot of folks, particularly as they are aging now and when they are in that low to moderate income bracket, they are faced with some really tough choices. I’ve got to choose to either by my medication or get my physical therapy or do home maintenance and for some that’s a no brainer.”
While Moss Point is making strides to improve quality of life in the city, some residents hope it is the start of many other initiatives. Resident Tyshaun Henderson said, “You know I really do appreciate them helping out the lower income and the middle income, but I would gladly appreciate it if they help out the kids.”
To qualify for the grant, you must be a Moss Point resident, a home owner, and fall into the low to moderate income bracket to receive funding. The application deadline is April 17th.
If you think you may qualify, contact the Moss Point City Development Office to apply. You can email marshall.hewlett@cityofmosspoint.org or call 228-474-2345 to learn more. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis as funding is limited.
