ARPA Facilities Renovation & Rehabilitation Grant

During the course of the pandemic incidents of domestic violence and violence against women have increased.  Stay-at-home orders and other pandemic responses may have reduced the ability for individuals affected by domestic violence to access the support services they need.  In addition, individuals experiencing housing insecurity and/or homelessness are some of the most vulnerable to COVID-19.   Sudden job losses and a reduction in wages further exacerbated housing conditions, leaving many people no longer able to pay their rent or their mortgage, resulting in an increase in the number of unhoused.  While local-area service providers have adapted to this crisis, many have been unable to expand their much-needed services due to limitations within their existing facilities.

To assist area shelters with updating or expanding their facilities, the City of Lowell is making available up to $2,000,000 in ARPA funds for the “Facilities Renovation & Rehabilitation Grant” program.  This grant program is open to registered 501(c)3 non-profit agencies located in Lowell Massachusetts that provide; food, shelter, support, education, and/or counseling and recovery services to those experiencing homelessness, and to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.

Funding can be used for projects like; address building code deficiencies, improve life safety equipment, address ADA compliance issues, interior, and exterior renovations, etc...

Things you should know about this grant:

• Applicants must either: own the property being renovated, OR have written approval from the property owner allowing the project to take place
• All grant funding will be disbursed on a REIMBURSEMENT BASIS ONLY.
• The application deadline for this grant funding is: 12:00 noon - Friday March 31st, 2023.

The ARPA Facilities Renovation & Rehabilitation Grant application is available for download here.  Versions of the application are also available for download in: Spanish, Portuguese, and Khmer.

Copies of this application can be picked up at City Hall: 375 Merrimack St, 1st floor - Room 34, Lowell, MA 01852 during regular office hours.

If you have questions about the application or the application process please call the ARPA Finance team at: (978) 674-4043, or email us at: ARPA@lowellma.gov