Message from Councilman Roc White – July 17, 2026
Summer is the ideal time to look around your home and see what needs to be repaired.
For low- and moderate-income homeowners, it is important to highlight an ongoing service that eases the financial burden of some fixer-ups: the Scotch Plains Home Improvement Program.
This program has made an enormous difference in the lives of many township residents over the years, and it is always important to continually highlight that it exists as part of the affordable housing obligations the state requires of our township.
Its purpose is simple: to help qualified homeowners keep their properties safe and livable, both today and for years down the road.
We've been putting real effort into spreading the word, and it's paying off — more eligible Scotch Plains residents than ever are taking advantage of this resource. Families are using it for the repairs that matter most: sound roofs, updated electrical systems, better-weatherized homes, and HVAC systems that work efficiently and effectively.
Here's the best part: for residents who meet the income guidelines, this program costs absolutely nothing.
Funding comes from the municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which is supported by developer contributions — not property tax dollars. It's a clear reflection of Scotch Plains' ongoing commitment to quality, well-maintained housing for all.
The qualification process is simpler than many people expect. As an example, a family of four with an annual income under $110,240 could be eligible for up to $25,000 toward essential repairs. That funding can go toward long-overdue fixes like roofing, plumbing, electrical work, or foundation problems — and there are no monthly payments and no interest to worry about.
The assistance is structured as a 10-year, no-interest, forgivable loan. If you follow the program's requirements, you'll never owe a dime. On top of that, applying costs nothing and won't touch your credit score. Applications are handled first-come, first-served.
One resident shared this with 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!"
Behind the scenes, our administrative partner, Community Grants, Planning & Housing, LLC (CGP&H), is tasked with keeping the applications moving and the process running smoothly for everyone involved.
Every applicant gets individual attention from CGP&H, including a program inspector at no extra cost. That inspector, working alongside municipal inspectors, helps make sure repairs are done right and up to township code. Landlords benefit too: the program gives them a way to bring rental properties up to standard while improving housing quality in Scotch Plains.
If you have questions about whether you qualify, please go to CGP&H. You can learn more here, call (609) 664-2781, or email
One more note: local general contractors are invited to apply for bidding opportunities through the program. Contractors who are new to this can visit this site or call 609-642-4992 to get an application started and join the free bidding notice list. Current program participants are also welcome to recommend contractors they trust.
We hope all qualified residents take full advantage of this no-cost program. Together, we're building a safer, more stable Scotch Plains — and I'm looking forward to seeing plenty of repairs around town as summer moves to fall.
