Social Development Commission
 
Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP)
 
 

Program Description

The Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) is an owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program that assists low-income homeowners in bringing their properties into compliance with the municipal building codes.  The program also addresses lead-based paint hazards and provides security items to protect occupants.

NIP will correct building code violations including plumbing, electrical, and construction; it also addresses lead-based paint hazards. The mechanicals include electrical and plumbing work that goes under a Deferred Payment Loan (DPL) to cover the cost of these repairs. This amount will be taken as a mortgage against the property at no interest or payments, and must be repaid either when the title is transferred or when the property is no longer owner occupied; a property must need at least $5,000 dollars in code violations. The allocation per home is usually $24,500 that is forgivable, after the owner occupied the home for five years if a single house and ten years if a duplex

Eligibility

To be eligible owners must have owned and occupied their properties for a minimum of five years; have household incomes at or below 50% of the County Median Income (CMI); be current on their property taxes, mortgage and utility payments; have a current homeowners insurance policy; and the property must be a single or two family property located in the City of Milwaukee Community Development Block Grant area.  This area is bordered by 13th Street on the east, 21st Street on the west, Mineral Street on the north and Burnham Street on the south. 

Annual Income required for NIP as of June 2007

Persons in Household                                                    50%
1 ________________________________________ $ 23,500
2 ________________________________________ $ 26,900
3 ________________________________________ $ 30,250
4 ________________________________________ $ 33,600
5 ________________________________________ $ 36,300
6 ________________________________________ $ 39,000
7 ________________________________________ $ 41,650
8 ________________________________________ $ 44,350

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I qualify for NIP?

A. Your household income must be at or below 50% of the County Median Income (CMI) – see chart above; you must live within the area and occupy the property, you must own your home for at least five years, your utility bills must be current, or if not, bring proof of your monthly installments. 

Q. Does NIP replace windows?

A. In most cases yes, the City Inspector determents that.

Q. Do I have to pay anything?

A. If you move out of the home before five years from the application date you will be responsible for the mechanicals and maintenance.  After five years, you are only responsible for the mechanicals which include plumbing, concrete and electrical work – in most cases this is very minor work. 

Q. Can I still qualify for NIP if I’m in SSA or SSI?

A. Yes, you must provide the award letter that explains your benefits.

Q. My home is a duplex, can I get NIP?

A. Yes, we work on duplexes as well.

Phone Numbers and Locations to apply for NIP

SDC Southside Neighborhood Center
931 W. Madison Street, Milwaukee (53204)
(414) 385-1130

Administration
2460 W. Clybourn Street, Milwaukee (53233)
(414) 344-9010

  
 
Revised March 26, 2008