Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant
"Neighbors helping Neighbors"
Kendall County's Area Median Income (AMI) is higher than both the Texas and national averages. This prevents many residents with a legitimate need from qualifying for federal or state wildfire mitigation grant programs. This unfairly eliminates the opportunity for individuals whose income level is below the AMI or has an age-related or physical challenge that limits their ability to perform the risk reduction work on their own from applying for these needed funds. Therefore, the Coalition is stepping up and creating the Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant Program to bridge this gap and reduce wildfire risk across the county, but we need your help!
WHY THIS PROGRAM MATTERS
Who the Program Helps
Kendall County property owners who:
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Pay property taxes in Kendall County
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Live in high-risk wildfire areas
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Have a financial or physical need
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Cannot access other grant programs due to county-level AMI thresholds
This program will help every resident of Kendall County because each property that takes action to mitigate their risks increases the safety and well-being of the entire community.​
How the Program Works
​Eligibility includes Kendall County property owners who are unable to perform mitigation work due to age, disability, or other physical limitations, and/or who demonstrate financial hardship that prevents them from hiring contractors to complete the work.​
Process to Apply:
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Acquire a free, confidential Wildfire Property Risk Assessment
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Call or email and request an application at: (830) 326-9031 or info@hcfcoftx.com
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Obtain a Contractor Estimate - Obtain an estimate from your favorite contractor to complete recommended work or call the Coalition for a list of contractors who signed up for the program.
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Apply for Assistance - Applicants submit their assessment, contractor estimate, and proof of age, financial or physical need, as defined on the application.
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Award & Completion - The Coalition Team reviews applications quarterly. Approved work is completed and then, reinspected.
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Direct Payment - Grant funds are paid directly to the contractor upon approved inspection of the work performed.
How Can You Help?
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Make a Tax-Deductible Donation - Your support directly increases the number of properties we can assist.
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Spread the Word - Help connect us with others who can support the program and work on the ground.
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Partner with Us - Individuals, HOAs, businesses, and organizations can all make meaningful contributions.
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Because Together, we can build a fire-adapted Kendall County--one that can withstand a wildfire without the loss of life and minimized property damage.
"Unfortunately, many grant programs for private property owners use county-level income thresholds as a screening mechanism, rather than evaluating eligibility based on the individual applicant’s financial circumstances." -- Doug Meckel, Assistant Director for Logistics, Hill Country Fire Coalition (retired City of Boerne Fire Chief)
"We can do one million Property Risk Assessments; but if the private property owners are unable to do the work on the ground, we do nothing to reduce our risk. Our ability to partner with the County Commissioners Court to offer this grant program is invaluable." -- Christie Wiley, Director, Hill Country Fire Coalition of Texas
