The City of Anoka Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) is excited to announce the continuation of the Curb Appeal Residential Enhancement (C.A.R.E.) Grant Program into 2025. This initiative, known as the Anoka Care Program, is designed to provide financial assistance to homeowners looking to enhance the exterior appearance of their properties. With up to $100,000 allocated for 2025, individual grants ranging from $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000 are available per eligible property. This program represents a fantastic opportunity for Anoka residents to invest in their homes and contribute to the overall beautification of the community.
Understanding the Anoka CARE Program Intent
The primary goal of the Anoka CARE Program is to partner with Anoka homeowners in undertaking exterior improvement projects that are visible from the street. By sharing a portion of the project costs, the program aims to significantly improve the curb appeal of individual residences, thereby creating a more attractive and vibrant Anoka for everyone. Importantly, there are no income restrictions to participate in the Anoka CARE Program, making it accessible to a wide range of homeowners within the city.
Eligibility Criteria for the Anoka CARE Program
To be eligible for the Anoka CARE Program, applicants must meet several key requirements. These conditions ensure that the grants are directed towards owner-occupied homes within Anoka that will directly benefit from exterior enhancements. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Property Type: Eligible properties include 1 to 4 unit buildings that are owner-occupied. This covers single-family homes, townhomes, twin homes, and condominiums.
- Location and Homestead Status: The home must be located within Anoka, Minnesota, and must have homestead status with Anoka County Property Records. Relative homesteads are not eligible.
- Property Tax Status: Applicants must be current on their Anoka County property taxes to qualify for the program.
- Property Value Limit: The estimated property value, as determined by Anoka County, must be less than $350,000.
- Required Beautification Projects: Proposed projects must include at least one item from the pre-defined Beautification Project List.
- Street Visibility: All proposed projects must enhance the front of the house and be clearly visible from the street.
- Insurance Claims: Projects covered or intended to be covered by insurance claims are not eligible for Anoka CARE Program funding.
- Project Start Date: Crucially, work on any project cannot commence until all necessary paperwork has been submitted to the Anoka HRA, and the homeowner has received and signed a Grant Award Certificate.
Image: Official logo for the Anoka CARE Program, highlighting the program’s focus on residential enhancement and community appeal.
Essential Beautification Projects for Anoka CARE Program Grants
A core component of the Anoka CARE Program is the requirement to include at least one project from the Required Beautification Projects list in every application. These projects are specifically chosen to maximize curb appeal and offer homeowners a range of options to enhance their property’s exterior. Successful Anoka CARE Program applications will often feature one or more of the following:
- Doors: Replacement or upgrade of the front door, storm door, and/or garage door.
- Windows: Installation or enhancement of sidelight windows adjacent to the front door.
- Exterior Lighting: Adding or updating exterior lighting fixtures to improve safety and aesthetics.
- Porch Features: Enhancements such as columns at the front door or construction of a covered front porch.
- Siding: Upgrading to brick, stone, or shake siding to elevate the home’s facade.
- Roofline Alterations: Modifications to the roofline on the front of the house for architectural interest.
- Landscaping: Permanent landscaping improvements, including tree trimming, removal/replacement of overgrown or dead vegetation, and planting new trees, shrubs, plants, and perennial flowers (with a minimum cost of $250 for landscaping projects).
- Driveways and Sidewalks: Repair or replacement of driveways and sidewalks, including options like stamped concrete.
- Window Boxes and Shutters: Adding or replacing window boxes and shutters to enhance window appeal.
- Utility Screening: Strategically screening utility boxes and garbage/recycling cans for a tidier appearance.
- Fencing: Installation, repair, or replacement of fences to define property lines and enhance curb appeal.
Applying for the Anoka CARE Program: Key Dates and Steps
For those interested in applying for the Anoka CARE Program in 2025, the application process is straightforward but time-sensitive. Here’s what you need to know to apply for the Anoka CARE Program:
- Online Application: Applications can be submitted online starting January 1, 2025. The online application portal can be accessed here: Apply Online.
- Application Deadline: The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, February 28, 2025. It is crucial to ensure your application is submitted by this date.
- Recipient Selection: Grant recipients will be chosen through a lottery drawing on Monday, March 3rd at 3:00 p.m. The drawing will be held in person at Anoka City Hall. Applicants are not required to be present to be selected.
For more detailed information about eligible projects and further program specifics, please refer to the 2025 C.A.R.E. Grant Program Information brochure. If you have any questions, please contact Darin Berger, HRA Executive Director, at [email protected] or by phone at 763-576-2724. You can also gain additional insights by watching a video clip about the program featuring Darin Berger, or view a QCTV interview with him for more commentary.
Image: Logo for the City of Anoka Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the organization administering the Anoka CARE Program.
