Low-interest loans available to help repair or replace furnaces, water heaters

Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry and the City of Fort Wayne are working to help local residents stay warm this winter by offering the Winter Heating Program for low-income residents.

"We all know Indiana winters can be bitter," Mayor Henry said. "Heat is not a luxury, it's a necessity and we want to help local residents stay warm and safe in their homes throughout the colder months."

The Winter Heating Program provides low-interest, five-year loans up to $5,000 to replace or repair failing furnaces or water heaters. Monthly loan payments will range from $25 to $90 per month for residents at 80 percent or below of the Area Median Income ($51,050 for a family of four).

To find out more about the program and determine if they are eligible, residents should call 427-8585 or 3-1-1. Information is also available online at www.cityoffortwayne.org/repairs. Free language assistance is available by calling (servicios de interpretatiόn y traducciόn están disponibles sin costo) 427-1442.

Completed applications are being accepted now through February 15, 2013. This program is made possible by entitlement funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).