The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) has announced that Rush County will receive a $500,000 Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (OOR) Grant to assist local homeowners. With just under $1 million awarded in this cycle of OCRA Community Development Block Grants, Rush County is the only OOR Grant recipient and received over half of all the funds awarded to eight Indiana communities.
As a part of the ongoing Rural Revitalization project, led by Rush County and Rush County Community Foundation (RCCF) the owner-occupied rehabilitation process will provide home repair programs to improve the quality of life for low-to-moderate income county residents outside of the city of Rushville.
RCCF contributed funds from our GIFT VIII Rural Revitalization Plan to aid proposal efforts and provided the required county matching funds, eliminating expense for local taxpayers and making community revitalization a reality.
The 18-month process is a key part of the Rural Revitalization efforts as it creates safer homes for families, helps keep residents in place and prevents the property from becoming dilapidated. Through the Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Grant, the county aims to repair 35 homes. Owner-occupied rehabilitation-eligible projects include roof repair/replacement, ADA accessibility installation, heating and cooling replacement, select lighting and electrical upgrades and water heater replacement.
“All of the [repair] categories are very expensive, and if we can help a resident with some of these big-ticket items, we should,” said County Commissioner Jeff Wilson. “We are serious about helping the county residents on cleaning up blight and helping with safety concerns.”
Rush County has worked with the Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (SIRPC) to facilitate owner-occupied rehabilitation efforts by bolstering the community and supporting a thriving Rush County. Based on the projected timelines, the Rush County project will likely begin rehabilitating properties by 2026.
“In essence, home rehabilitation is not just about fixing individual houses; it’s a strategic investment in the long-term health, stability and economic prosperity of Rush County residents,” said County Commissioner Ron Jarman.
40 applications have been received for the Rush County Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Grant opportunity. Grant administrators will contact those applicants for further information and verification of eligibility. Subsequent interested homeowners will be added to a wait list, pending the availability of funds.
For more information about the owner-occupied rehabilitation process, please contact SIRPC at 812.689.5505.
Follow RCCF on Facebook, Instagram, @rushcofoundation, and X to stay updated on the Rural Revitalization project as it develops.
Established in 1991, the Rush County Community Foundation cultivates resources to enhance life in Rush County. With nearly $34 million in assets, 2024 was a record year for RCCF, reaching all-time highs in assets and grantmaking — supporting Rush County with nearly $1.1 million in payouts, including over $250,000 in scholarships.
Through its Lilly Endowment GIFT VII receipt of $5,000,000 in 2020, RCCF played a leading role in planning and creating the Love Community Center. Through GIFT VIII receipts of $5,000,000 in 2024, RCCF remains steadfast in leading Rural Revitalization efforts. The Rush County Community Foundation continues to imagine and strive for a future that best serves our community. For more information, visit rushcountyfoundation.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
