Vermillion County receives OCRA grant for home rehabilitation program

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 9:40 AM

By Staff report

Vermillion County has received a $495,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs to launch an Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program for eligible low- to moderate-income homeowners.

Thrive West Central will administer the program on the county’s behalf.

The program will fund critical repairs and upgrades that improve safety, energy efficiency, accessibility and overall living conditions. Eligible work includes roof replacement, heating and cooling system repair or replacement, water heater repair or replacement, radon remediation when needed, and exterior accessibility improvements such as ramps and handrails. Priority will be given to seniors, veterans, single parents and individuals with disabilities.

"This program will help Vermillion County residents address critical repairs that can make a real difference in their health, safety and ability to remain in their homes," said Kristi Whitacre, director of community and economic development at Thrive West Central. "We are proud to partner with Vermillion County to connect eligible homeowners with resources that support safe and stable housing."

Assistance is capped at $25,000 per household. To qualify, applicants must own and occupy a single-family home in Vermillion County as their primary residence, meet income requirements at or below 80% of the Area Median Income as defined by HUD, and live outside a floodway or 100-year floodplain. Radon testing is required for all units considered for assistance, and any necessary remediation will be included in the covered work.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Homeowners may apply online at thrivewestcentral.com/owneroccupied or by mail to Thrive West Central, VC Owner-Occupied Program, 2800 Poplar St., Terre Haute, IN 47803.

For more information, contact VermillionOOR@thrivewestcentral.com or 812-238-1561 ext. 259.