The City of Ferndale and the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA) are pleased to announce a Home Chore Grant for Ferndale residents. Qualified seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents are eligible for a home chore program to help with home repairs and yard cleanup projects up to $5,000. The program has been extended as of February 2026.

After extensive communication and resident surveys, OLHSA and City staff narrowed the prioritized areas to porch repairs, roof repairs, plumbing, furnaces, yard cleanup, and accessibility improvements.  

Qualifications: 

Please keep in mind that the program requires qualifications. 

• The home must usually be a single-family, owner-occupied dwelling located in the City of Ferndale.  

• The home must be a low-income household under current HUD guidelines.  

• The homeowner must be aged 62 or older or qualify as an adult with severe disabilities. 

• The repair must be necessary to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of occupants.  

• The household may only receive one grant. A maximum of $5,000 will be awarded per household.

Preference will be given based on emergency repairs, income, and first-time applicants.  

How to Apply:  

Qualified residents can visit bit.ly/HomeChoreGrantProgram to access the application or pick up one in person at Ferndale City Hall or the Parks and Recreation Office in Incubizo. Submission instructions are available on the application. Please reach out to Alicia Pardo at apardo@ferndalemi.gov or call 248-544-6767 x 503 for questions on how to receive an application. The deadline to apply for priority consideration is Monday, March 23, 2026. 

More Information:  

If you have questions about the projects or general contracting concerns, please contact City Planner Melissa Kalnasy at 248-336-4370 or mkalnasy@ferndalemi.gov. 

If you need assistance filling out the form or have questions about the qualification process, please reach out to OLHSA Program Support Coordinator Alessandra Baglioni at 248-935-6898 or alessandrab@olhsa.org.  

If you are a senior resident and/or need additional assistance receiving the form, please contact Parks and Recreation Senior Coordinator Alicia Pardo at 248-544-6767 x 503 or apardo@ferndalemi.gov. 

Special Thanks:

The City extends its gratitude to OLHSA for bringing this program to the community and is looking forward to the positive changes it will bring to Ferndale.  

Councilwoman Rolanda Kelley extends her thanks to Community and Economic Development Director Ross Querro, City Planner Melissa Kalnasy, Communications Manager Reilly Coleman, SMART/Senior Coordinator Liaison Alicia Pardo, and Mayor Raylon Leaks-May for their team effort to ensure these funds are used in an impactful way. “Together, we are focused on getting the most out of every dollar to help as many residents as possible stay in their homes and remain part of the community they love,” said Kelley.

“It is my honor and privilege to work with City staff and Councilmembers who are committed to increasing the quality of life for our seniors and adults with disabilities,” said Mayor Raylon Leaks-May. “Generous grant funding from organizations like  OLHSA allows us this opportunity.”