In January 2026, Ezio Community Development Services (ECDS) expanded its Home Remodel & Repair Program, offering microgrants to low- and moderate-income homeowners in Joliet, Crest Hill, Romeoville, and Bolingbrook.
“It all started as a ‘Spiritual Upload’ from The Lord!” That’s how Ezio Community Development Services, founder and President Boise Walker described the inspiration behind her organization’s Home Remodel and Repair Program.
“Our original focus was on building new homes and purchasing and renovating existing properties. When our funds became restricted, we changed our focus to home remodeling and repair,” Walker said. Board members include LaShunda Satcher Board Chairman and Donna Walker, Secretary.
Ezio’s program allows qualified homeowners to receive grants of $1,000 to $3,000 to repair and renovate their homes.
“To apply, the property must be the homeowner’s primary residence. They must have been a resident for five years. In addition, they’re required to stay in the home for at least two years after the grant is issued,” noted Walker.
The company started in 2022 with a single project renovating an elderly woman’s home in the Manningdale community on Joliet’s east side.
“We did an exterior renovation to improve the outside of her home and partnered with the city to repair the sidewalk in front,” Walkers said.
“Our first project was funded by donations. In 2025, we received two grants that allowed us to expand the program to other parts of Will County.”
Covering homeowners in Joliet. Romeoville, Crest Hill and Bolingbrook, the grants are targeted to low- and moderate-income homeowners.
“We adhere to the current HUD area median income limits which range from “25,000 to $111, 250, depending on family size,” Walker explained.
Funds can be used to do minor updates of a kitchen or bathroom, replace light fixtures or repair floors or to do exterior updates.
Once the applicant has met all the requirements ECDS will approve the homeowner’s project and hire a licensed contractor. The funds will be disbursed until all are funds are gone.
“The whole idea behind ECDS is to not only help homeowners improve their homes, but to beautify their neighborhoods,” Walker said.
“A lot of the improvements will be happening inside the house, so they won’t necessarily be visible to the casual observer. But hopefully it will give that homeowner a renewed sense of pride and encourage them to take better care of their home and, in turn, their community. “
Walker said that the primary goal of EZIO is to promote home ownership and neighborhood revitalization. “Our home remodeling and repair program is a positive step in that direction.”
Applications are now being accepted. For information and to apply visit eziocdsinc.org.
