For 21 households in Greensburg, Indiana, improvements completed through the Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (OOR) yProgram mean more than a new roof, heating and cooling system or water heater. For eligible homeowners, the program helped ease the financial burden of significant home repairs while addressing important needs within their homes. The result is safer, more comfortable and more accessible homes for residents throughout the community.
The City of Greensburg recently completed its OOR Program, which provided needed home repairs for eligible residents through funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). Administrative Resources Association (ARa) served as the program administrator, working alongside the City and participating homeowners throughout the process.
An ARa representative recently presented the program’s closeout update during the City of Greensburg’s Board of Works and City Council meetings, providing a final look at the work completed and residents served since the program began in January 2025.
The City of Greensburg was awarded a $350,000 Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation grant to address qualifying home repairs and improvements for eligible homeowners. The funding originated through HUD and was administered by OCRA. The City of Greensburg contributed an additional $50,000, bringing the total program investment to $400,000. In addition to construction, total program costs included required home inspections, radon testing, grant administration and other components necessary to meet state and federal requirements.
Through the completed program, 21 owner-occupied homes throughout Greensburg received repairs and upgrades, representing approximately $342,000 invested directly in construction and home improvements.
The work included 13 roof replacements, 16 heating and cooling system replacements, eight water heater replacements and two accessibility modifications.
“For the homeowners who participated in this program, these were significant improvements that will make a difference in their homes for years to come,” said Mayor Joshua Marsh. “These improvements addressed real needs for Greensburg residents while also helping preserve our existing housing. We’re grateful we had the opportunity to bring these resources to Greensburg and help 21 households make meaningful improvements to their homes while strengthening our neighborhoods and community as a whole.”
Homeowners interested in participating in the program completed an application and eligibility process.
Eligibility for OOR funding is based in part on household income, so applicants were required to meet established income guidelines and other program requirements before being selected to participate.
Among the households assisted were nine with elderly residents, four with residents with disabilities and eight headed by single parents. The program also assisted four disabled veterans.
Local contractors were part of the work as well, completing projects at 10 of the participating homes.
Behind those numbers are individual homeowners and families who experienced the impact of the program firsthand. For one homeowner, receiving a new roof came at a time when the cost of replacing it had become a significant concern.“It came right at a time when I had no idea how I was going to afford to put a roof on. I could have gotten a loan, but it definitely would have made things extremely tight,” the homeowner shared. “I am forever grateful and thankful for this program and all of the hard work that went into getting me approved.”
Another Greensburg homeowner who received a new roof, gutters and downspouts shared a similar sense of relief. Before the project, family members would help replace shingles as they blew off during storms.
“Words can’t begin to express what a gigantic help the new roof and gutters are to me,” the homeowner shared. “On my limited income, I was really concerned about my roof and how I was going to be able to replace it. All I can say is, ‘What a blessing.’”
Each participating home moved through a detailed process established by OCRA and federal program requirements. Eligible homeowners completed income verification and a home inspection before an approvedscope of work was developed and publicly bid. Contractors were selected in accordance with federal procurement requirements, and completed work received a final inspection before each project was closed. This process helped ensure grant funding was used appropriately and repairs met the approved scope and program requirements.
The completion of the program was made possible through collaboration among the City of Greensburg, OCRA and ARa. From the initial grant application through homeowner eligibility, construction and final closeout, ARA worked alongside the City to administer the program and meet state and federal requirements.
With the program now complete, the numbers tell only part of the story. The impact doesn’t stop at the front door. When homes are cared for and improved, that investment becomes visible throughout a community. It strengthens the neighborhoods around them, shows that the places we already have are worth investing in an
