The Fix Up/Paint Up Program provides grants of up to $3,000 to seniors, the disabled, and families of low and moderate income who own and occupy their home.

Lakewood Online: Tell us about Lakewood's Fix Up/Paint Up Program.

Jack Gonsalves: The Fix Up/Paint Up Program provides grants of up to $3,000 to seniors, the disabled, and families of low and moderate income who own and occupy their home and need financial assistance to make minor exterior repairs. As this is a grant program, funds do not have to be repaid. This grant program is funded by the Lakewood Redevelopment Agency.

LOL: Who is eligible to apply for this program?

JG: The grant program is open to any resident who qualifies and who owns and occupies a single-family residence located within the City of Lakewood that is in need of minor, exterior home improvements.

LOL: What are the program qualifications?

JG: State law limits the program to moderate-income persons. Income eligibility for the Fix Up/Paint Up Program is based on the combination of family size and total annual household income and assets. City housing staff can provide specific annual household-income limits for any family size.

LOL: What types of improvements are covered by the program?

JG: Exterior property improvements are eligible, including exterior trim paint, window and screen repairs, gate and fence repairs, garage door repairs, deadbolts and weatherization.

LOL: Can applicants hire anyone to do the work?

JG: No. To keep program costs down and to provide quality control, the work will be completed by Veterans In Community Service, Inc., a non-profit community service organization under contract with the Lakewood Redevelopment Agency to provide labor and materials to participants in the Fix Up/Paint Up Program.

LOL: How does one go about applying for a Fix Up/Paint Up grant?

JG: Residents who qualify for the program should call 562-630-6536 or 562-866-9771 ext. 2321 to obtain a copy of the application and to get answers to their questions.