OBJECTIVE:  The goal of the Non-Profit Rehab Program is to insure safe and reasonable access to Non-profit public facilities.

ELIGIBLE FUNDING RECIPIENTS:  Non-profit organizations located in Luzerne County who demonstrate they primarily serve low/moderate income persons at the project site.  The Non-profit must not have previously received ADA or rehabilitation funding for the facility.

ELIGIBLE FACILITIES:  The Non-profit can own or hold a long term lease (15 years minimum) on the building.  Funds may not be used for a building in which the Non-profit does not primarily serve low and moderate income persons. 

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES:  Funds will be provided to:

• remove material and architectural barriers that restrict mobility and accessibility in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);

• eliminate specific conditions detrimental to public health and safety; or

• enable utilization of the facility by additional low and moderate income persons.

The project must be ready to commence within ninety (90) days from approval and be completed within six (6) months from the start of construction.

ELIGIBLE COSTS:  Costs of labor and materials of approved activities.  Legal fees, engineering/architectural fees, advertising, inspection and all other fees are not eligible for funding.

PROGRAM FINANCING:  Funds are available from the County’s Community Development Block Grant Program Non-Profit Rehab Program budget, up to a $50,000 maximum per project, based upon availability of funds.  The requested funding requires a $ for $ match.  Matching funds do not include equity, volunteer labor, or prior investments.  In-kind contributions will be considered as match on a case-by-case basis, and must be directly related to the specific activity for which County funding is requested.  Funding will be in the form of a deferred payment loan, conditioned upon utilization of the facility for its intended benefit to low and moderate income persons for a minimum of five (5) years.

PROGRAM MECHANICS:  The Non-profit must submit an application to the County, along with required supportive documentation, including evidence of matching funds and its procedures to obtain information on family size and income, so that it is evident that the clientele being served does not exceed the low and moderate income limit.  There will be a minimum of 30 days for the Office of Community Development to determine if the project is eligible, to ensure availability of funds, and to hold a public meeting.  The loan will then be submitted to the Luzerne County Board of Commissioners for consideration.  Contingent upon approval by the commissioners at a public meeting, a preliminary approval letter will then be prepared by the County and a loan closing will be scheduled.  County funds will not be made available until a loan closing has been held.

All projects utilizing County funds for construction activities must comply with Federal Labor Standards, including the Davis-Bacon Act.

MBE/WBE:  All non-profit agencies receiving funding through the Luzerne County Office of Community Development are encouraged to utilize the services of minority and/or women owned businesses.

Equal EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:  No entities receiving funding through the Luzerne County Office of Community Development shall discriminate against any individual because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or familial status.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD NON-PROFIT REHAB PROGRAM APPLICATION

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Luzerne County Office of Community Development
54 West Union St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Wilkes-Barre - (570) 824-7214
Hazleton - (570) 459-1814
Pittston - (570) 693-3800

SPONSORED BY THE LUZERNE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:

Commissioner Gregory A. Skrepenak, Chairman
Commissioner Todd A. Vonderheid
Commissioner Stephen A. Urban