Programs That Make A Difference
CDCU Success Story, April 2011
Community Development Corporation of Utah (CDCU) has administered the Critical Home Needs Loan Program for City of South Salt Lake since 1998 using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds through Salt Lake County. This successful program has helped dozens of families with needed home repairs including electrical and plumbing issues, heating and air conditioning needs, structural repairs and more.
City of South Salt Lake has a large population of low-and moderate-income homeowners who are at or below 80% of the area median income. Add to this the fact that many of these homeowners live in older homes that are in disrepair and the possibility for critical repairs dramatically increases. For most of these homeowners, critical home repairs and general home improvements are financially overwhelming, and the need for a low-interest home improvement loan may be their only option to better their situation. 
A recent example is that of Ruth and Allen Beck. The Becks are a wonderful elderly couple living in an older home that was in need of several repairs. Living on a modest income, they knew they would need some financial assistance so they applied for a low-interest critical home needs loan through CDCU. They were approved and began discussions to arrange needed work with CDCU’s construction manager, program manager, and a qualified contractor. Needed repairs included a complete electrical upgrade to current code standards as well as important structural repairs to make the home safer. They also replaced worn and damaged kitchen cabinets and countertops, and had a new kitchen sink, faucet, and hood range installed. All in all, the upgrades drastically improved the safety and livability of the home. “We appreciate all of your efforts to assist us in getting the loan to improve our house. We are thrilled with all that was done and thanks to all the workers who helped,” said Ruth.
Community Development Corporation of Utah has inspected and rehabilitated hundreds of homes for low- and moderate-income households. CDCU’s housing development team includes a construction manager who is a Utah State General Contractor with 30 years experience inspecting, planning, building, and rehabilitating single- and multi-family housing. CDCU has also administered hundreds of homebuyer and homeowner loans. CDCU staff is expert in program eligibility determination, file documentation, underwriting, and loan processing.
The needs of homeowners are varied, but it is common for this program to help them replace worn-out roofs, inefficient and broken windows, HVAC systems that are not up to building or energy code, and more. Loans have also been used to update bathrooms and kitchens in severe need of work, including the accommodations for disabled or elderly family members. And, the neighborhoods benefit from having otherwise unsafe and unsanitary houses upgraded, thereby preserving the livability of their communities. 
Interested homeowners can be assured that CDCU works with licensed and experienced contractors capable of properly evaluating needs and performing work that meets all code requirements. CDCU staff is also experienced in all aspects of the Critical Home Needs Loan Program and can provide expert assistance to homeowners in need.
