Housing and Weatherization

Weatherization: Weatherization provides energy conservation measures (insulation, caulking, etc.) to qualified applicants at no cost. All fuel assistance applicants who have been certified income eligible are eligible for this program, provided their dwelling has not been weatherized by WCAP since September 30, 1995. Priority is given to households with elderly (over 60 years of age), children (24 months and younger) or handicapped individuals.

Central Heating Improvement program (CHIP): This program is designed to do repair or replacement of condemned heating systems up to $3,000.00 for income eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program homeowners.

CMP Line Extension Program: Central Maine provides a credit for up to $2,800.00 for new service. The credit is for the installation of pole(s) and lines to the new residence. You total income must be less than 115% HUD’s are median income based on family size. The cost of the home (including land improvements) can not exceed MaineHousing First Time Homebuyer limit and have not received this credit within the past three years and it must be your primary residence.

Appliance Replacement Program: Provides replacement of inefficient refrigerators and freezers with an energy star refrigerator and freezers for families that are eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program. This program also replaces light bulbs with energy efficient compact florescent bulbs, replaces halogen lights and replaces waterbed with a conventional mattress For further information call 207-338-6810.

WCAP Loan Program: Provides repayable and deferred home repair loans at 8% interest rate to income-eligible homeowner families (up to $8,000.00). Provides repayable unsecured loans from $500.00 to $1,500.00 at 8% interest for establishing residence for families who are residence of Waldo County that are homeless. For further information call 207-338-6810.

Eligible repairs include:

• Wells and septic systems
• Heating and electrical systems
• Roofs and chimneys 
• Structural problems
• Repair and replacement of old, drafty windows and doors
• Repair or replacement of siding
• Handicapped accessibility improvements
• Other health and safety repairs

Depending upon your family income, size and location, you may qualify for a loan or grant. Loan and grant amounts vary, as they are contingent upon your home rehabilitation needs and type of program for which you qualify. For those households that qualify for a loan, the interest rate is 1% and the term of the loan will range from 15 to 20 years.

Some households may qualify for a deferred/forgivable loan. Deferred/forgivable loans are loans that are forgiven if you live in your home for a certain number of years (usually five or ten) before you sell or transfer the title of your property. If the home is sold or title is transferred within the five or ten year period, The full amount of the loan is due and payable. There is no interest charge or monthly payment requirement with deferred/forgivable loans. For homes constructed prior to 1978, a grant may be available to address lead paint hazards.