My husband passed away a little over a year ago. When he died, I found myself on my own, with many years ahead of me. I was painfully aware that I was now going to have to take care of myself, and that, first and foremost, I needed to make sure my house would provide me safe shelter for the years to come. But I was faced with major repairs that I could never afford.
I became familiar with the Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) over the years as I watched houses in my neighborhood undergo repairs and remodeling. CHIP is a program that gives low-income homeowners a chance to remodel their houses if they are not able to afford to make repairs on their own.
The qualification procedure was remarkably easy. At no time did I feel like I was being made to deal with a bureaucracy. I always felt at ease and was given any help I needed in completing the application process. In fact, the people at CHIP were so warm and friendly, I felt as if I had made new friends.
Once I was qualified, CHIP assessed what repairs were needed. They worked with me to repair and remodel my home in a way that I was comfortable with. I always made the final decisions about the work that was being done and the way I wanted my home to be.
CHIP works with only the best contractors and I was able to choose the contractor that had impressed me the most during the bidding process. In the end, I was more than pleased with the work that was done.
The CHIP program is important, not only for low-income homeowners, but it is also a valuable asset to the community. In repairing and remodeling houses in need, CHIP ensures people are safe and comfortable in their homes, keeps neighborhood property values up, and lends pride to the entire city.
Because CHIP gave me the help I needed, I now live in a snug home and I am confident in the knowledge that I will have a secure place to live for many years to come. I now have a brighter future.
I am grateful to everyone at CHIP. It is a wonderful program run by very special people.
Kat Overman
Everett
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