City of Lakewood’s Housing Financial Assistance Programs Helps Senior Thrive in Her Home

In 2016, Lakewood resident Chitra Walker participated in the First Time Home Buyers Program  to purchase a duplex in the eastern part of the City. Through this process, she became familiar with the housing financial assistance programs available through the City’s Planning and Development Department. After purchasing her home, Chitra took advantage of the deferred, zero interest loan program available to seniors (65+) to make home improvements.

The deferred, zero interest loan has allowed her to make numerous improvements to her home including installing glass block windows in the basement and outdoor lighting, insulating the attic, and repairing her porch and garage roof.

Describing her experience with the program, Chitra shared, “I would absolutely recommend this program to other residents. This is a great program to preserve your home. Lakewood represents all strata of society, and they are doing a great thing by investing in our homes.”

The deferred, zero interest loan program empowers senior homeowners with the financial assistance to make improvements. LakewoodAlive and the Department of Planning and Development collaborate to provide homeowners the guidance they need to select contractors and complete projects.

Chitra has lived in Lakewood since 2002. Prior to owning her home, she lived in apartments in the Gold Coast and on Lake Avenue. After retiring, she felt that purchasing a duplex would be a good investment.

“I am proud to be a senior, and I am proud to be a senior in Lakewood. Seniors really have opportunity here,” said Chitra.

She currently rents out the bottom unit and has been grateful for the City sponsored Landlord Training Seminars, expressing that “they give you the tools to become a good landlord.”

To learn more about the housing financial assistance programs available through the City of Lakewood’s Department of Housing and Development, click here or contact Mary Leigh, Programs Manager at 216-529-7681. To register for upcoming Landlord Training Seminars, click here.