Merriam Home Loan Program in Association with Mission Bank:
Contact: Duane Patton, Mission Bank
Phone: 913-831-2400

The Merriam Home Loan Program recognizes that investment in our residential neighborhoods is essential to the long-term vitality of our community. The City considers this program pivotal to the future enhancement of our residents and their property.

Because of lower interest offered through this program, mid-level income households with regular income may qualify when they would not otherwise qualify for a home loan. Mission Bank, the City’s partner in this program, offers Merriam residents low-interest home improvement loans. The City has agreed to “buy down” the interest rate on the loan according to the current program contract. The loan rates are 3% to 5% and will be based on the length of the loan. The minimum loan amount shall be $2,000 and the maximum loan amount shall be $20,000.

Loans will be granted for the purpose of making exterior home repair or improvements that affect the livability of the house. Fifty percent of the funds must be used for exterior improvements. The remaining amount of the loan may be used for other exterior or interior home improvements as approved by the City Building Inspector.

If interested, residents must complete the necessary application and required paperwork. Mission Bank will submit the information for pre-approval and provide confirmation.

Once the bank has pre-approved the resident for the loan, the resident is directed to the City of Merriam to receive a home improvement building permit. After the permit has been issued, Merriam notifies the bank that the funds can be released.

The City of Merriam will issue permits and conduct code required inspections upon completion of the home improvement project. For more information on the Home Loan Program, call Duane Patton at Mission Bank, 913-831-2400.

Johnson County Home Preservation Programs:
Contact: Johnson County Human Services & Ageing
Phone: 913-715-6600

To begin the general application process, residents should contact Johnson County. Based on information provided, the county will determine initial eligibility and set up an appointment to begin the application process. Once the county has all of the application information from the resident, they will verify income and interest income through a third-party.

After the county deems the resident financially qualified, an inspector will set up an appointment to do a building system inspection which will determine the deficiencies within the structure. If the inspector determines that there is a need, he will contact a pre-approved contractor to do the necessary work.

Johnson County Home Repair Program
(also called Minor Home Repair Program):
Phone: 913-715-6600

Assists eligible Johnson County homeowners with home repairs and provides limited accessibility for modifications for eligible persons with disabilities. Repairs that are provided by this program are plumbing, electrical, carpentry, masonry, furnace/central air conditioner, and handicap accessible. To be eligible for this program, you must be a resident of Johnson County, and your annual gross income cannot exceed the 80 percent of the median-income guidelines, as published be HUD.

Johnson County Home Revitalization Program:
Phone: 913-715-6600

The Home Revitalization Program provides limited assistance to low and moderate income Johnson County homeowners. Requirements include: homeowners must have an income less than 80 percent of the median income guidelines as published by HUD. Low to moderate income residents whose homes are in need of a major single repair can be provided the following services: tear-off and replacement of leaking roofs, replacement of defective furnace or central air conditioning systems, exterior house paint deterioration for violations cited by city code department, and replacement of electrical systems certified defective or inadequate. There is certain program restrictions associated with this program. Contact Johnson County for details.

Johnson County HOME Program:
Phone: 913-715-6600

The HOME program assists eligible homeowners with rehabilitation needs of their owner-occupied homes. The program will bring a house into compliance with local housing codes and address health and safety issues.

Assistance is provided as a deferred payment loan (at 0% interest and is forgiven 10% per year for 10 years). The loan must be a minimum of $1000. Income cannot exceed the 80% of the median-income guidelines, as published by HUD. Certain program restrictions apply. Contact Johnson County for details.

Johnson County Weatherization Program:
Phone: 913-715-6600

The Weatherization Program provides assistance to low-income residents of Johnson County to make their homes more comfortable, safe, and energy efficient. Professionally trained weatherization inspectors perform on-site home energy audits using state of the art equipment to identify outside drafts, and ensure efficiency in heating and cooling systems. The program includes furnace inspection, air leakage sealing and installation of insulation. The funding for this program is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, administered through the Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing. Program requirements include meeting income guidelines, renting or owning the resident and paying a portion of the utility bill.

Johnson County Environmental Department Redistribution Program:
Phone: 913-492-0402

The Johnson County Environmental Department provides recycled latex paint to those in need. The paint is sold in 5-gallon buckets and is for exterior use only. Individuals, businesses, civic groups, county and local government, and schools have made use of this redistribution program.

In addition to exterior latex paint, the JOCO Environmental Department also provides lawn and garden care, wood working, home improvement, household cleaners, automotive, and arts and crafts products in their redistribution center. For more information, call 913-492-0402.

AARP Reverse Mortgage:
Phone: 800-209-8085

The Reverse Mortgage is a loan available to persons over 62 whose homes are paid-in-full. The resident can take a loan against the house and when they can no longer stay in the home, the bank will sell the house and take the amount of the loan out of the sale price.

Consumer Credit Counseling:
Phone: 816-753-0535

Consumer Credit Counseling (CCC) can help residents manage money in order to afford home improvements. The CCC provides free financial services that include debt management, budgeting, consumer financing education, and intelligent use of credit.