The Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) is available to eligible residents of Rome. The Program improves residents’ quality of life by enabling them to correct code violations and provide for the weatherization of their homes.  Income and eligibility guidelines apply.

 

The HOME Program provides a unique opportunity for low-to-moderate income individuals and families to purchase their first homes. Participation in the program is dependent on eligibility and income guidelines.

 

The Facade Program was created in order to stimulate the economic revitalization of mixed-use business development in Rome's downtown by providing financial incentives for the rehabilitation of traditional building stock.  Currently, Facade funding provides 75% of total project spending up to $15,000 per approved project.

 

The Rome Entrepreneur Assistance Program (REAP) was created to foster development of new and expanding microenterprises (1-5 employees, including the owner) within the City of Rome. The goal of the REAP is to provide "reimbursement" grants to new businesses, operational for 24 months or less, in an effort to enhance their abilities to provide job opportunities and  new services to low-to-moderate neighborhoods in the City of Rome. 

 

The SAFE program assists eligible senior residents with emergency heating, water, sewer, electrical or structural system repairs. The assistance is in the form of a no-interest, no payment required, three-year forgivable loan.  SAFE applicants may be eligible for a maximum grant award of $6,000 which includes a processing fee and construction management fee.  Only one SAFE grant can be awarded per property, and only in the case of an emergency.

 

The Ramps and Rails Program assists the mobility challenged who have a valid signed medical statement from their Primary Care Physician and/or other appropriate Licensed Health Care professional. The medical statement must identify the medical necessity that warrants the installation of a ramp and/or rail at the residence.  Once installed, the ramp and/or adaptive railing become the responsibility of the owner. The City of Rome is not responsible for any general maintenance including painting and snow removal.

 

For more information about each of these programs, please click on the appropriate selection or contact the Department of Community & Economic Development at (315) 339-7643.