YOUNGSTOWN — A $5 million program to entice people to move to Youngstown or to upgrade to a new home in the city goes live Monday.

The city’s board of control approved spending $5 million in American Rescue Plan dollars Thursday to create the “At Home in Youngstown” program to help people buy and upgrade houses in the city.

“We want to get people to move to Youngstown or upgrade if they’re living in Youngstown,” John Noga, the city’s housing director, said. “It’s to incentivize homeownership in the city. Those who are renting may consider buying a home because of this program. It’s a wonderful program.”

The board approved two items related to the program Thursday. One is for the $5 million fund to be administered by Huntington Bank, and the other is a memorandum of understanding with Catholic Charities to handle the applications for those seeking the funding.

Permitted expenses under the program include a maximum of $10,000 for down payments and closing costs and an additional $15,000 limit for energy-efficient upgrades to windows, furnaces and hot water tanks after a house is purchased, Noga said.

The program’s details were changed after city council approved creating it during a Dec. 20 meeting to increase the amounts offered to people, Noga said.

Since city council passed the legislation seven months ago, about 25 people have asked about the program and they will be contacted, he said.

To apply, people should call Catholic Charities at 330-744-3320 for more information.

Those who qualify for funding under the program have to live in the house for at least five years or the funds have to be returned. There is no limit on the total household income, Noga said, which is a change from what council approved.

The program is one of the largest single allocations the city has used from its $82.7 million ARP allotment.

Also Thursday, the board approved spending $300,000 using other ARP dollars — $250,000 for corridor improvements in the 2nd Ward and $50,000 for solar security lights in the 6th Ward.

Councilman Jimmy Hughes, D-2nd Ward, sponsored the corridor improvements that include work to McCartney, McGuffey, Early and Jacobs roads, Wilson Avenue and Oak Street.

Hughes’ ward takes in most of the city’s East Side.

Councilwoman Anita Davis, D-6th Ward, sponsored the legislation to spend $50,000 in ARP money for solar security lights for seniors and businesses in her ward, which takes in most of the South Side.

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