IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Where winters are harsh and resources often scarce, a glimmer of hope emerges for homeowners seeking to fortify their dwellings against the elements. Spearheading this endeavor is Tonya Joy, the Neighborhood Housing Initiatives Division Director at MSHDA.
“There’s a portal, and residents can apply in the portal. It’s open [only] on designated days, which is the last week of the month. So it’s open right now. It’ll close Monday at 8 a.m., and it will open again on March 25 and will be open until 8 AM on April 1,” Joy affirms.
The MiHope grant, a beacon of promise for those striving to enhance the energy efficiency of their homes, offers a lifeline of up to $25,000 for essential repairs. But securing this assistance requires more than mere aspiration; applicants must navigate a rigorous process, presenting proof of ownership, identification, insurance (or insurability), and utility bills to ensure eligibility.
“We have 67 agencies that are helping to facilitate the funding at the local level in the state,” Joy elaborates.
“It will be reserved for addresses. It has to be fully expended by April 30 of 2026, so contractors may have additional time to complete the work, but the projects will be identified by September 30.”
Yet, the program’s reach extends beyond mere financial assistance. With meticulous planning, MSHDA has allocated $3,350,000 specifically for Upper Peninsula agencies, distributed among 5 subrecipient organizations.
But what of those residing outside the designated ZIP Codes? “They can still apply, and then they’ll sit in a queue,” Joy assures. “It may be held or another subrecipient agency may take on that.” Joy encourages people to pay attention to the zip codes in terms of how the dollars will be allocated.
“They can still apply, and then they’ll sit in a queue, they won’t be processed unless there’s other funding that’s made available right now. So right now, we have 5 agencies that are serving MIHope within the Upper Peninsula, and there’s a total of 3,350,000 that’s been allocated for energy efficiency home repair. There’s a cap of $25,000 per application. There’s $50 million in MIHope funding statewide, and of that, 15 million goes directly to the city of Detroit. Then 5 million is going to the Heat and Warmth Fund, so we have $30 million [for MiHope]. Of the $30 million, we have $3,350,000 that’s being allocated to agencies within the Upper Peninsula.”
These entities stand ready to assist homeowners with the MiHope Program in the U.P.: Marquette Community Action, Gogebic Ontonagon Community Action Agency, Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region, Baraga Houghton Keweenaw Community Action Agency, and Copper Country Habitat for Humanity.
But eligibility hinges on more than just location. Income verification is crucial, with households earning below 300% of the federal poverty level deemed eligible. For a family of 1, that means income must be at or below $38,640. For a family of 4, that income level is $79,500. There is a full chart available through the application portal.
Despite the program’s success since its inception in 2022, its future hangs in the balance. MSHDA is yet to decide whether funding will continue beyond April and will have a status check at the end of the month, underscoring the importance of seizing the current opportunity.
Amidst the trials of the ongoing pandemic, the MiHope initiative represents a beacon of resilience and solidarity. “This is Covid relief funding,” Joy emphasizes. “A hardship, whether financial or otherwise, is a prerequisite for participation.”
As the program unfolds, it serves not only as a testament to the resilience of Upper Peninsula residents, but also as a harbinger of future possibilities. With the impending launch of Mi Neighborhood, a new comprehensive rehabilitation program slated for later this fall, MSHDA remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering communities across Michigan.
“This is a great opportunity for people to find a way to do cost savings as the costs continue to increase in the household,” Joy reflects. “I encourage people to apply.”
Those individuals that meet the income and application requirements may apply by visiting:
