Message from Councilwoman Elizabeth Stamler | July 25, 2025
As summer moves along very quickly, I am pleased to share an update on a vital resource for many of our residents: the Scotch Plains Home Improvement Program.
This program, part of our broader affordable housing obligations set by the state, is designed to ensure that low- and moderate-income residents can safely maintain their homes now and in the years to come.
We are concentrating our marketing efforts on this program, hoping more residents are aware and take full advantage. And I am very pleased to see many more eligible Scotch Plains residents now using this resource to make critical repairs—keeping well-maintained roofs overhead, electrical safety upgrades, homes comfortably weatherized and HVAC systems running optimally.
I’m proud to say this program is of absolutely no cost to residents who meet the income guidelines.
With funding from the municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund (supported by developers, not property taxes), this program reflects Scotch Plains’ commitment to sustaining quality housing.
Qualifying for this program is straightforward. For example, a family of four earning less than $108,240 a year can receive up to $22,000 for essential repairs. Homeowners who meet income criteria can address such overdue updates as roofs, plumbing, electric, or foundation issues—without facing monthly payments or interest. Financial assistance comes in the form of a 10-year, no-interest, forgivable loan.
That means if you comply with the program’s rules, you’ll never need to pay back the loan. Even better, applying is free and does not affect your credit. All applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
One happy resident wrote to us: “My house, built in 1951, really needed some serious repairs. The program’s administrators, inspectors and contractors all worked seamlessly together to make it all happen…I would urge anyone in need of home repairs to seek out this program...I’m so grateful for this opportunity!”
Throughout the year, our administrative partner, Community Grants, Planning & Housing, LLC (CGP&H), has worked diligently to process applications, thus ensuring a smooth experience for all involved.
CGP&H provides personal attention to each applicant, including a program inspector at no additional cost to the homeowner who, combined with the Township inspectors, guarantee that repairs are properly completed to code and with care. For our landlords, the program also provides an opportunity to improve rental properties while meeting housing standards and codes.
As always, I encourage anyone with questions about eligibility to connect with CGP&H. To learn more, click here or call (609) 664-2781, or email
Additionally, local general contractors are encouraged to apply to the program for bidding opportunities. Contractors new to the program can visit this website or call 609-642-4992 for more information and to complete a contractor application to get onto the free bidding notice list for qualified contractors. Additionally, program participants are welcome to recommend general contractors for the program.
Thank you for your continued engagement as we work together to provide safe and stable homes for everyone in our community. I look forward to seeing even more progress as the summer continues.
