Free Paint Voucher Program

Introduction

The City of Newberry Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Free Paint Voucher Program (“Program”) is designed to help residents beautify and protect the exterior of their home.

This program fits within the CRA’s goals to encourage renovation of affordable housing and to support programs that contribute to the renovation and preservation of historic structures and the downtown historic district.

What is Offered

The program offers a free paint voucher from a participating retailer for participants to obtain exterior paint and primer in one. Participants may choose up to two colors for the base and trim. Free pressure washing services are offered for the house, sidewalk, and driveway prior to painting.

Elderly (65+) and disabled individuals are eligible for the “Paint it Forward” program that organizes volunteers to paint their home during the Great American Cleanup in the Spring. Preference is given to Veterans.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible to receive assistance under the Program.

1. The property must be located within the Newberry Community Redevelopment Area.
2. The property must be a single-family residence.
3. If the applicant is not the property owner, the property owner must agree to participate by signing the Property Ownership Affidavit form (Attachment III).
4. Rental properties are not eligible.
5. The property must need painting. The CRA will verify this requirement.
   1. Conditions the CRA will consider to evaluate need include, but are not limited to:
      1. Peeling, flaking, or blistering paint on any major exterior surface;
      2. Bare, unprotected wood, metal, or stucco visible on exterior components;
      3. Chalking or fading indicating loss of paint binder or pigment protection;
      4. Rust, corrosion, or rot attributable to failed or missing paint protection;
      5. Patchy or inconsistent paint coverage from prior incomplete work;
      6. Color loss or weathering that materially affects the structure’s appearance or uniformity;
      7. Staining, mildew, or algae growth resulting from degraded paint or protective coating.
6. Only the primary house on the property is eligible. Sheds and other accessory units are not eligible.
7. The home must be painted within 30 days after receiving the paint voucher.
8. If the participant uses the voucher but does not paint the home, the participant must pay the total of the voucher used back.
9. After completion of painting the home, the applicant must notify the CRA within 5 days of completion.
10. Applicants must earn a household income of below 80% of the HUD Area Median Income for the City of Newberry or establish financial need or hardship.
11. Participants located in the Historic District must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) prior to the issuance of a paint voucher.
12. Participants may not sell paint and supplies received under the program.
13. Mobile homes are not eligible under the program.
14. The house must not have been painted within the last 5 years.
15. Paint colors may not be extreme (e.g. black, neon colors, etc.) and must be approved by CRA staff.

Procedures for Implementation

1. Application Submission: The CRA will receive the application and determine the applicant’s eligibility.
2. Home Visit: Once the eligibility status is determined, a member of the CRA staff will call the applicant, visit the property, and take photos.
3. Voucher: Once approved, the CRA will generate a paint voucher for the applicant to redeem at a participating retailer. The retailer will bill the city for the price of paint.
4. Pressure Wash & Paint: CRA staff will schedule the property to be pressure washed. The participant must paint his/her home within 30 days after receiving the paint voucher.
5. Completion: The participant must notify the CRA within five days of completion. CRA staff will visit the property and take photos of the painted home.

Questions About the Program?

Please direct inquiries on the Free Paint Voucher Program, including obtaining an application packet to:

CRA Coordinator
25493 NW 1st Ave
Newberry, FL 32669

Phone: 352-472-2161 ext. 3959
Email: CRA@newberryfl.gov

Please note that the Newberry CRA is a public agency. As such, the Newberry CRA is governed by Section 119.07, et.seq., Florida Statutes, popularly known as the “Florida Public Records Law.” Any documents provided by the Applicant may be subject to production by the Newberry CRA upon receipt of a public records request, subject to any exemptions provided by Florida Law.