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1. How do I apply for assistance housing rehabilitation?

The process starts with the client completing an application and being placed on a waiting list. Applications can be picked up at Neighborhood Services office or mailed to the clients.

2. How do I know if I qualify for housing rehab assistance?

Clients qualify if they own the house and have a household income less than 80% of the median income of the Sherman-Denison MSA, adjusted for family size. Proof of income is required of any person who will contribute to the household income. Income will be calculated using the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Section 8 income definitions and guidelines. The structure must be owner occupied. All the taxes must be paid in full on the property and the house must have flood insurance coverage if it is within a flood area.

3. What type of work is done?

The minor / rehabilitation program addresses four areas of work. Those areas are: plumbing, electrical, roof and handicap needs. The maximum amount that can be spent on a project is $5,000.

4. How long does it take to get work done?

The typical waiting period to receive minor rehabilitation assistance is about three to six months.

5. Who do I contact if I see a dilapidated house that need to be torn down?

The demolition process starts with a call to the building official. The building official will then determine that the structure is dilapidated and posts the house as unsafe. Location of the house determines what funds will be used to demolish the structure. The length of time for the demolition varies greatly due to a number of circumstances. The most time-consuming task is to contact all of the people who might have an ownership in the property and have them sign a release to demolish the house. This task alone can take up to six months or more.

6. How do I apply for the first time homebuyer’s grant?

The process begins when you start discussions with your local lending institution. Early in that process, you tell the lending institution that you would like to apply for the City of Sherman’s First-Time Homeownership Program. The house must be in the city limits of Sherman and the buyer must qualify according to income guidelines. All of the paperwork is done by the lending institution and submitted to the city for review. After all of the required documentation is in, a check in the amount up to $2,000 is issued to the title company at the time of closing.

7. How do I become a Community Development Block Grant subrecipient?

Contact the Neighborhood Services office at 903-892-7227 for information on current funding availability and info on the process. Public services agencies provide and invaluable opportunity for the low- to moderate-income Sherman residents by offering diverse services that impact their quality of life. Every age group from the elderly to the youth receives services that would not be available without nonprofits providing services that are funded with Community Development Block Grant funding.