The Community Development Office administers three entitlement allocations from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) each year: the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) and the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) programs.

Together these programs channel over $2.5 million in federal funds to projects that are designed to carry out housing rehabilitation, affordable housing development, neighborhood improvements, essential community services and economic development activities.  Federal regulations require that these programs principally benefit low and moderate-income families, the elderly and persons with special needs.

• NYS Housing and Community Renewal Website
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Website
• HUD User Website

Home Improvement Program

Monroe County's Home Improvement Program (HIP) provides one-time grants and low interest loans to income-eligible homeowners for home repairs and improvements in the suburban towns and villages excluding the City of Rochester and Towns of Greece and Irondequoit.  Residents of the city of Rochester, Greece and Irondequoit should contact their respective municipality: City (585) 428-6963; Greece (585) 723-2384; Irondequoit (585) 336-6021. 

Eligible repairs include structural (roof, foundation, windows, exterior paint or siding), major systems (plumbing, heating or electrical) and accessibility accommodations (ramps, lifts, doorways, bathrooms).  Routine maintenance, remodeling and cosmetic improvements are generally not eligible repairs.

Depending on the cost of needed repairs and household income, you may qualify for a grant of up to $20,000.00.  Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.  Contact the Community Development Office at 585-753-2000 for additional information.

Home Improvement Program Documents

• Home Improvement Program Brochure July 2020
• Home Improvement Program Application Package 

First-Time Home Buyer Program

Monroe County's First-time Home Buyer Program is administered by The Housing Council.  The program provides one-time grants for down payment and closing assistance to income-eligible first-time home buyers who purchase homes in the suburban towns and villages of Monroe County.

The program also provides a full range of counseling services to help buyers achieve the American Dream of home ownership, including credit repair, budgeting, mortgage products and savings programs, pre-purchase and post-closing assistance.  For additional information, contact The Housing Council at 585-546-3700.

Additional Resources

• First Time Homebuyer - Click Here or call 585-546-3700
• Rent assistance - call 2-1-1
• Utility Arrears - call Catholic Family Center at 585-232-2050
• Lifespan - Provides information, guidance, and more than 30 services for older adults and caregivers - 585-244-8400
• Pathstone - Home rehab and energy conservation - 585-442-2030
• Neighborworks - Home repair and energy services - 585-325-4170
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - Special Assistance for Home Owners in need of a furnace in need of repair, For more information, please call 753-6280 between the hours of 9am and 3pm, Monday through Friday.

Other Monroe County Community Development Documents

• Update to the Analysis of Impediments - 2020
• 2020-2024 Strategic Plan and 2020 Annual Action Plan - June 2020
• 2019-2020 Substantial Amendment to Annual Action Plan - March 2021
• 2019-2020 Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report - October 26, 2020
• 2018-2019 Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report - October 25, 2019
• 2017-2018 Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report - October 26, 2018