CHIP Program

Community Housing Impact & Preservation (CHIP) Program

About CHIP

In 2014, the City of Wooster, City of Orrville and Wayne County teamed up as a partnership to apply for and win funding for the Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) Program. The grants are funded through Ohio Development Service Agency (ODSA) and administered by the Wayne Metropolitan Housing Authority. Eligible households must be residents of Wayne County, Ohio respectively, and meet the income guidelines established for the program in which they are applying.

Downpayment Assistance/Rehabilitation Program

Downpayment Assistance/Rehabilitation Program assists eligible households (see income guideline below) who are currently renting and wanting to become homeowners.  The program offers a deferred (interest-free) loan for a down payment, closing costs and rehabilitation assistance to eligible low-to-moderate income households. This loan is 85% forgiven over a period of time between 5-15 years with a 15% recapture. This program requires HUD Certified Homeownership classes.

*This program does not replace a conventional mortgage loan.

Home Repair Program

This grant program is designed to assist eligible low-to-moderate income (see income guideline below) homeowners to make emergency or non-emergency repairs that are considered Health and Safety concern according to the program’s rules and regulation. The grant covers single projects such as septic repairs, leaking roofs, heating systems, etc. This grant is available as long as funding allows.

Private Owner Rehabilitation Program

This program helps homeowners with rehabilitating single family homes. A single rehabilitation may entail several projects, such as plumbing upgrades, roof repairs, removal of lead-based paint, siding, electrical upgrades, and other repairs needed to eliminate health and safety concerns according to program rules and regulations. Homeowners who qualify (see income guideline below) will receive a five year deferred interest free loan to make repairs. 17% of the loan is forgiven each year for five years, the remaining 15% is only due once the owner sells or no longer resides in the home.

Rental Rehabilitation Program

The Rental Rehabilitation Program is designed and made available to landlords who agree to rent to tenants earning less than 80% area median income, and rent unit at fair market rent. Landlords cover 25% of the project hard costs. The remaining 75% is covered by a 5-15 year forgivable loan completely forgiven at the end of the affordability period.

Income Guideline

Household SizeIncome
1$44,900
2$51,300
3$57,700
4$64,100
5$69,250
6$74,400
7$79,500
8$84.650

Fair Housing

Please click on link to see the Wayne, Wooster, Orrville CHIP Program Fair Housing Resource Sheet

Fair Housing

City of Wooster’s Fair Housing Program

Fair Housing for Wayne County

330-287-5420

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

If I have one or two small projects, which application should I apply for? Home Repair
If I have more than two projects, which application should I apply for?Private Owner Rehabilitation
I have a Rental units which application should I apply for?Rental Rehabilitation
Do I have to own my home in order to apply?Yes, the home must be deeded in your name
Can I apply if I have a land contract or rent to own?No, unfortunately the program’s rules do not allow us to assist in these situations
Can I apply if I own a mobile home but rent my lot?No, our program rules state mobile homes must be permanently supported on a lot owned by the occupant. Wheels, tires, temporary axles, and toe tongues removed, on a permanent foundation, and taxed as real estate.

Please see applications below. All original applications with original signatures must be returned to our office with all required documents listed on page 3 of the applications.

Home Repair Application pdf

Private Owner Rehabilitation Application pdf

Rental Rehabilitation Application pdf

Homeownership Assistance Application pdf


If interested in learning more about the CHIP Program visit our office at
345 North Market Street, Wooster, Ohio 44691

Phone: 330-264-2727

E-mail: Tanya Sargeant