Fort Wayne homeowners who are struggling with broken heating equipment have a new source of assistance. The city’s Hope Through Heat program is now accepting applications for grants that cover the full cost of replacing non‑working furnaces, boilers, electric heat kits and heat pumps.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Own and occupy a home within the Fort Wayne city limits;
- Have a heating system that no longer functions;
- Meet household income limits set at 60 percent of the Area Median Income, which the city calculates as $57,060 for a family of four.
These criteria ensure that the program targets families who need help the most, reinforcing the city’s commitment to housing stability and community well‑being.
Application process
Prospective recipients begin with a preliminary screening, after which a full application is required. Applicants must provide documentation that verifies household income and schedule an inspection of the broken heating system. The city will review applications in the order they are completed, awarding assistance on a first‑qualified, first‑served basis. While meeting eligibility does not guarantee funding, the transparent process gives families a clear path to receive aid.
Funding source
The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Because the grant pool is limited, the city encourages interested homeowners to apply promptly.
How to apply
Residents can submit their applications online at Engage.CityofFortWayne.org/Hope-Through-Heat. For those who prefer a paper form, the city’s hotline at 260‑427‑8585 will mail an application. Language assistance is also available through the Language Services Network at 260‑426‑6764.
City officials’ perspective
“Programs like Hope Through Heat not only help families in need, but also strengthen our entire community,” said Kelly Lundberg, director of the city’s Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services. “By helping homeowners replace broken heating systems, we’re improving housing stability and ensuring residents can safely remain in their homes.”
The initiative reflects Fort Wayne’s broader effort to support residents during the winter months, when heating failures can lead to unsafe living conditions and increased utility costs. By removing the financial barrier to essential repairs, the city aims to keep families warm, safe, and rooted in their neighborhoods.
For additional information, residents can contact the city’s housing office or visit the online portal. The city encourages all eligible homeowners to take advantage of this opportunity before the grant funds are exhausted.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
