Almost 559 thousand dollars are on their way to upgrade homes and pay for emergency services in Northeast Missouri.

The North East Community Action Corporation was awarded the money by the state.

Participants in the repair program must own their homes and meet income guidelines. NECAC will take applications starting next spring. The work will include roof and siding replacement, new heating and air conditioning units, electrical and plumbing replacements and accessibility improvements.

The emergency services funding will be used to help the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless with housing needs.

Qualifying agencies such as NECAC compete for the Missouri Housing Development Commission funding. NECAC was one of more than 40 applicants this year.