HERO program assists in Pearland home repairs

In addition to HERO grant funds for the roof, the homeowner received financial assistance to replace a failing water heater and repair drywall damaged by mold. The repairs totaled $13,360, according to officials.

The city also replaced two defective HVAC units for another homeowner at a cost of $11,985.

“I was out of work when I sought assistance from the city of Pearland,” resident Leondro McHargh said. “With [their] assistance, we were able to get the old [air conditioner] and furnace units replaced and avoided more costly repairs.”

More projects, including improvements to properties that have suffered substantial damage, were pending approval as of late May, officials said.

“One important characteristic of the program that eligible homeowners need to be aware of is that our grant funds are designed to make ‘like-and-kind’ repairs, not to make aesthetic improvements or exceed basic standards,” Hardy said.

The program’s benefits go beyond helping homeowners, Hardy said. The health and safety of Pearland—in addition to economic development—stands to gain from HERO improvements, officials said. Nearly $161,000 has been budgeted for the program this fiscal year.

“The funding can carry over year-to-year, if unspent, with new Community Development Block Grant allocation activities allowing us to plan to use additional funds that come to the city each year for this purpose,” Hardy said.