systems of your home, as well as correct health, safety, and building code violations. Even the smallest project can increase your home's value. It's amazing how new windows, a repaired front porch, or renovated kitchen can improve the look and value of your home.

The Fix-Up Fund is a low-interest loan program presented by Northeast Shores, Dollar Bank and Neighborhood Progress, Inc.

The Fund assists credit worthy homeowners in making improvements and includes:

• Loans for $500-$15,000 at 5.99% fixed interest rate with repayment terms up to 15 years.
• Minimum loan payment of $50 per month with no prepayment penalties.
• No homeowner equity requirements.
• Free job specifications, cost estimates and contractor supervision.
• Help in choosing a qualified contractor.
• Final inspection to ensure that the job is done properly.
• You are free to use your own contractor, or choose one from the list provided.
• Your contractor must be licensed and bonded. The contract you sign will be a three-way contract between you, your contractor and Northeast Shores. The contractor will not be paid until all work is completed and you sign off with satisfaction.

Applications are available April 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005.

Heritage Home Improvement Loan Program

This loan allows owners of older and historic homes to maintain, repair and improve their property with a home improvement loan available at KeyBank with an interest rate of 3.5% for maximum of 10 years. The Cleveland Restoration Society will help you determine an historic preservation approach for your home that can be financed through this program.

The project must create visible improvement on the exterior. If interior improvements are planned, the exterior must already meet the highest standards of property maintenance. Exterior improvements must comply with historic preservation standards and written specifications provided by the Cleveland Restoration Society.

Contact the Preservation Resource Center at (216) 426-3116 or visit the website at www.clevelandrestoration.org/HomeownerPrograms/hhlp.htm for detailed information.

City of Cleveland Repair-a-Home
This program provides rehab assistance for very low- and moderate-income homeowners. Assistance is in the form of a loan with an interest rate of 0% to 3%. The maximum term is 30 years.

Senior Housing Assistance Program (SHAP)
SHAP provides a onetime grant to disabled or low-income homeowners over age 60. The program is primarily for critical health, safety and maintenance repairs. A staff person from the Department of Aging will bring an application to your home and assist you in completing it.

The Chore Program
This program provides free home maintenance for low- and moderate-income residents over age 60. City of Cleveland employees will do chores such as general house cleaning, lawn moving, trimming hedges, removing or installing storm windows and other small repairs.

Universal Service Fund (USF)
This energy education program is done in the home. FREE services include a survey of your usage and advice on conserving energy, installation of conservation items and possibly a more energy efficient repalcement refrigerator. You must be enrolled in PIPP and a customer of CEI.

Note: for information on all of the above listed programs, call Northeast Shores at (216) 481-7660 or e-mail Ben Beckman at bbeckman@northeastshores.org.