Community Home Improvement Project (CHIP) needs more homeowners to serve in Austin.

As the 2015 season launches, the program has secured volunteers and funding to serve many homes. To date, 17 home owners have applied and 10 completed the assessment process and will be served by the program. As many as 10 more homes could be served in 2015 so home owners are encouraged to come forward and apply.

Applications from all neighborhoods will be considered, with the Queen of Angels, Roosevelt Bridge and Cullen Park neighborhoods targeted as priority areas. Only owner-occupied homes are eligible. Homeowners who are prevented from completing home maintenance due to cost or other barriers are encouraged to apply.

Homeowners will be considered for external repairs including peeling paint, leaky roof, drafty windows and doors, wheel chair ramp, overgrown landscaping, hand rails, concrete work and other needs.

Applicants must be willing to accept assistance from CHIP and to participate in the repair work as they are physically able. Each family situation will be evaluated individually. Based on family need and resources, CHIP offers low-interest loans to pay for materials. In some cases, homeowners with very low incomes will receive materials as a grant.

“The spirit of volunteering is strong in Austin. We are thrilled with the support from volunteers and hope to have plenty of homes for them to work on,” said Brent Johnson, Freeborn Mower Habitat for Humanity Community Development Director.

CHIP is powered by volunteer labor and is a collaboration by the Vision 2020 Community Pride & Spirit committee, the Austin Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Freeborn-Mower Habitat for Humanity.

Local volunteers donated over 1,400 hours of labor in 2014. Funding and in-kind donations are provided by the Hormel Foundation, United Way of Mower County, Freeborn-Mower Habitat for Humanity and local businesses.

All volunteers are scheduled and led by Freeborn Mower Habitat for Humanity. No special home improvement skills are needed. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged. Volunteers under age 14 will be provided special supervision by Habitat for Humanity. Groups and families are encouraged to volunteer together.

For more information about volunteering or receiving services, contact Community Development Director Brent Johnson at 507-433-1349.