The City of Goshen is now accepting applications for its 2018 Flood Restoration Grant Program.

The grant program was created to assist Goshen homeowners recovering from the Feb. 21, 2018 flood. Homeowners whose property was damaged can apply for one of two types of grants: repair grants or reimbursement grants. Funding for both grants will be limited to $2,500 per applicant. The deadline to submit an application is July 1, 2018.

“We hope this program will provide relief to people whose homes were damaged by the flood. Even if the grants don’t cover all costs, this program can help bring homes to safe and habitable condition,” Mayor Jeremy Stutsman said.

A number of factors will be reviewed in the applications in order for a homeowner to qualify for a grant, including:

• The property must be owner-occupied.
• The property must be located within the incorporated boundaries of the City of Goshen.
• The property must have been damaged due to the 2018 flood event.
• Approval for properties within the designated floodplain must be approved by the floodplain administrator.

A committee composed of community members appointed by the Mayor will review cases that may be under extenuating circumstances. The five voting members are:

• Scott McKee (Goshen Hospital) – Chair
• Major Tim Sell (Salvation Army)
• Bill Reith (United Way)
• Cathie Cripe (Past School Board Member)
• Aracelia Manriquez (Local Business Owner)

Non-voting members are:

• Julia King (Council Liaison)
• A representative from the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office
• Becky Hershberger (Community Development)

The City of Goshen and LaCasa, Inc. have partnered to provide assistance to eligible property owners to restore their homes with permanent repairs. Acting as general contractor, LaCasa will oversee each individual project to ensure it is properly done. LaCasa will assess damage, develop a scope of work, solicit bids, schedule and ensure completion of the project.

“LaCasa will be there to guide homeowners in every step of the restoration process,” Brownfield Coordinator Becky Hershberger said. “Having someone to answer your questions and walk you through the project is a very valuable resource for homeowners who need assistance.”

To learn more about the 2018 Flood Restoration Grant Program, to download a copy of the application for a grant or to donate to the Goshen 2018 Flood Recovery Fund, go to goshenindiana.org/2018-flood-restoration. You can also find copies of the application at City Hall, at the Building Department in the Annex Building, 204 E. Jefferson St., at the Utilities Office, 203 S. Fifth St., or the Public Library, 601 S. Fifth St.

For questions related to the program, contact Carla Newcomer at 533.6805 (si tiene preguntas en español, contacte a Sharon Hernandez al 537.3883).

The program is funded by the generous donations from the community through the Goshen 2018 Flood Recovery Fund donation line. Funds are being collected and will be matched up to $100,000 by the City Council. As of Wednesday, March 14, the program’s account had more than $36,000 between donations and the city’s matching funds.

To donate, go to goshenindiana.org/flood-recovery-fund and click on the donate button, or make a check to the Goshen 2018 Flood Recovery Fund and mail or drop it off at Goshen City Hall, 202 S. 5th St., or any Interra Credit Union Branch.