Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP)
To apply click here or grab a paper copy at City Hall.
About the Program
The City of Dowagiac has received a grant totaling $70,000 from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to assist willing homeowners in funding improvements to their homes. The applicants that are chosen within the Southwest residential neighborhood will receive assistance up to $20,000 for interior or exterior repairs to their home. For any assistance in an amount greater than $10,000, a 5-year forgivable lien will be placed on the property. The city is excited to begin the process to make positive changes in Dowagiac’s neighborhoods. Our goal is to work with 10-15 homeowners on exterior and interior improvements to aid in neighborhood improvement, sustainability and accessibility. Homeowners receiving this grant will not be required to invest funds of their own.
Eligible District
Your home must be within the 2024 targeted area to receive the grant.
Income Requirements
Your household must meet the following income requirements:
Eligible Projects
The grant for exterior projects must make a visible impact from the street to the neighborhood and focus on safety, visibility, and accessibility.
- Front porch repair/replacement
- Siding/Painting
- Handicap Ramps
- Private driveway paving
- Fence repair
- Soffit and gutters
- Front door replacement
- Roof repair
The grant for interior projects can be used to correct code related structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and/or other health and safety violations and can include the following projects:
- Replacement of furnace/boilers
- Water heater replacement
- Plumbing and/or electrical repairs
Priority will be given to the projects that make the greatest visual impact on the neighborhood.
Application Requirements
The NEP program application requires several documents to verify eligibility including:
- Current payment status on mortgage.
- Current payment status on taxes.
- Proof of current homeowners insurance for my home.
- Completed self-certification form (see attached form page 3).
- Completed authorization to release information form (see attached form page 4).
Please complete the application and email or mail with all the required attachments to:
City of Dowagiac
NEP Application
241 S Front Street
Dowagiac, MI 49047
htietsort@dowagiac.org
269-783-2525
NEP Guidelines 2024