Benson Homeowner Participant Interest Survey SCDP 2026

Due October 28, 2025

Proposed Homeowner Housing Rehab Program (SCDP)
The City of Benson is working with the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission to apply for a Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) grant. To apply, the city must show interest and a need in the community. If the grant application is selected, the program will be available to homeowners starting the spring of 2027.

Goal: To help income eligible homeowners rehab and make improvements to their home.

SINGLE FAMILY HOMEOWNERS
Refer to charts for eligible incomes to participate. If you are eligible, complete the form and return.

The SCDP program can pay for rehabilitation work of up to $25,000.

Funds are given as a no interest, forgivable loan (grant). 1/7 of the loan is forgiven each year for seven years.

Additional grants and loans are available based on income and the program will assist homeowners identify these resources for the owner matching funds or if projects go over $25,000.

A) SINGLE FAMILY OWNER-OCCUPIED: 51-80% Median Income
7-Year Forgivable Grant - 10% Owner Match
90% of the project costs are eligible through a deferred loan
10% owner matching funds required

2025 HUD Income Limits for Swift County
80% Income Limits
1 Person Household $53,350
2 Person Household $60,950
3 Person Household $68,550
4 Person Household $76,150
5 Person Household $82,250
6 Person Household $88,350
7 Person Household $94,450
8 Person Household $100,550

B) SINGLE FAMILY OWNER-OCCUPIED: 50% or less Median Income
7-year Forgivable Grant – NO Owner Match
100% of the project costs are eligible through a deferred loan
No owner matching funds required.

2025 HUD Income Limits for Swift County
50% Income Limits
1 Person Household $33,350
2 Person Household $38,100
3 Person Household $42,850
4 Person Household $47,600
5 Person Household $51,450
6 Person Household $55,250
7 Person Household $59,050
8 Person Household $62,850

Example project in the 51% - 80% Area Median Household Income category:

If the total project costs were $27,778
90% SCDP forgivable loan would be $25,000 (1/7th forgiven each year for 7 years)
10% Owner responsibility would be $2,778 (owner cash or low interest loans)

1.Please your level of interest in this program:(Required.)

I’m mildly interested

I’m interested but I need more info

I’m very interested and think I will use the program

I’m ready to use the program in 2027 on my property.

2.How many people live in your household full time?(Required.)

3.Check below that best matches your 2024 (or 2025) gross household income.(Required.)

5.Tell us more about the improvements to you want to make to your home with SCDP funds:

6.Check all that apply:(Required.)

I own my home.

I rent my home

Other (please specify)

7.Year built or approximate age of home

8.Comments:

Household information

9.Name(Required.)

10.Address(Required.)

11.Mailing address (if different from above)

12.Phone number(Required.)

13.Email address(Required.)

14.Are you a veteran?(Required.)

Yes

No

15.Are you a city official?

Yes

No

16.Have you had a previous SCDP grant?

Yes

No

If yes, approx. what year?

Signature

IMPORTANT: The signed form does not commit you to the program and does not guarantee funding; it is simply an indication of interest that builds support for the application. If you sign the form your name will be placed on a priority list to receive more information if funds are awarded.

17.I understand that (all boxes must be checked):(Required.)

SCDP funds are limited and in competition and may not be awarded.

If the grant is awarded, funds are limited. Applicants will be prioritized by filling out this survey on a first-come, first-serve basis and to be considered must complete a full application packet.

Being placed on a priority list does not guarantee funding.

Participants in the program must be income-qualified. The field administrator will do the verification in the full application packet.

Homes must have needs that go beyond basic maintenance and will be inspected as part of the program.

There will be a deferred loan (lien) placed upon the home for the SCDP funding for seven (7) years. If the home is sold or changes owners in that time, the remaining un-forgiven loan must be paid back to the city.

The rehabilitation must be coordinated through the field administrator for the project, and competitive bids must be received for the work. Any improvements/work done before coordinating with the site administrator will NOT be eligible for SCDP funding.

The home must be occupied. No vacant households will be rehabilitated with SCDP funds.

Information about additional programs that provide assistance for eligible homeowners will also be provided.

18.Type in your name as an electronic signature.

NOTE: The typed name constitutes a legal signature and all parties undersigned must agree to the following statement: "We certify that the information contained in this survey and its attachments is true and correct to the best of our knowledge."(Required.)

19.In addition, by checking the box below, you are agreeing to this statement:(Required.)

After reviewing the above information, including the proposed financing package, I am interested in participating in this program.

Thank you. Your name will be placed on a list of interested parties showing a strong interest in a SCDP program and support for the application. If grant funds are awarded to the city, you will be contacted for more information about how to apply for project funding.

This survey is being conducted the by the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission (UMVRDC) who is writing this grant. Any questions regarding this survey or the grant application please contact:
Kristi Fernholz: Kristi.fernholz@umvrdc.org or 320-289-1981 x106