The City of Youngstown has partnered with 717 Credit Union to promote affordable home renovations and repairs.

According to the release, the Residential Property Improvement Programs include loans and grants for residential facade upgrades.

The initiative is funded by $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) money and will give homeowners the chance to improve the outside of their homes and landlords an opportunity to update their properties.

The program offers low-interest loans of up to $10,000 at a 1% interest rate for five years or a dollar-for-dollar match up to $10,000 for exterior work like painting, window replacements, sidewalk repairs, siding, driveways, steps and garages.

Interested homeowners and landlords can find qualification details and apply for the Residential Façade Loan and Residential Façade Grant Program, and the Landlord Loan Program on the 717 website.

"Finding affordable pathways for homeowners and improving our neighborhoods are priorities of my administration, and with the help of 7 17 Credit Union we are seeing plans become reality," said Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown. "The Façade Loan and Grant Programs not only serves as a critical vehicle for so many in our city to make needed improvements to their homes and increase the value in their homes, but it's a step towards enhancing the perception of our neighborhoods and giving residents a level of pride."