Retiree Janice Hoh says her old house in Augusta needed many critical upgrades.

"These repairs I could not have taken care of myself, and I didn't want to ask my kids for help," she says.

In May, Hoh says she got a brochure for an Augusta Home Rehabilitation Loan. At first, she almost threw it away. But she says the offer of nearly $12 thousand to get new windows, a new roof, gutters, full insulation in her attic and a water heater was too good to pass up.

"The loan doesn't have to be repaid as long as you're in this house,” says Hoh. “I couldn't get a loan like that from the bank."

The Eau Claire County Housing Authority oversees the application process. It says more people are applying for the loans this year because of the economy.

“It's a great opportunity for those who can't afford it without the monthly outlay," says Housing Authority Executive Director Kay Hestekin.

Hoh says she also feared the quality of work would be lower, because it came from a loan. But, she says she was surprised when crews finished in early October.

“It went so much more smoothly than expected," says Hoh.

And now with her home sealed tight, Hoh says she's ready for a worry-free winter.

Hoh says she's already seen her energy bills go down with the new improvements to her house.

The Eau Claire Housing Authority says it's still taking application for the Augusta home rehabilitation loans. It has more than $303, 600 to distribute before next fall. Families of four making less than $49 thousand a year could qualify for some assistance.

If you have questions about the loans, call the Eau Claire County Housing Authority at 7157-839-6240.