Joplin citizens may be eligible for building assistance programs

(From the City of Joplin)

Rebuilding continues throughout Joplin, and City officials have researched various incentives and assistance programs that may help property owners in this next phase.

To help residents navigate the possibilities, a matrix has developed to show several categories listing “Eligible Participants” and “Potential Use of Funds”. This graphic will help citizens determine if they fall into one of the groupings, which could identify a potential resource for them to use in the development of their property. Contact information about the various programs is included, and citizens will need to contact the specific agency to learn the details of the programs.

Residents can view this information on the City’s website at www.joplinmo.org or they may call the Tornado Assistance Information Line at 417-627-2900 for assistance.

“There are resources that offer various types of assistance for those rebuilding or repairing their homes,” said City Manager Mark Rohr. “Each program has different qualifications, and the matrix can provide a visual match for the citizen’s specific situation to identify if they fit into a specific category. Once that is determined, the resident should contact the agency offering that type of program. Basically, the City is serving as an informational conduit to help our residents.”

Throughout the recovery phase, as more tools are developed to help rebuilding efforts, the City will make those details available through these same methods.

“These programs offer various types of assistance, and each citizen’s circumstances will vary,” said Rohr. “It will be important for property owners to review the options and determine if there are opportunities that could provide resources for their rebuilding.”