Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has made a $900,000 deposit toward $1.8 million in grants for home repairs as part of the automaker's Community Benefits Agreement with the city of Detroit.



Homeowners surrounding FCA's planned Mack Avenue Engine Plant on Detroit's east side could receive grants up to $15,000 per property. The funds are being administered by the city's Housing and Revitalization Department, which will begin taking applications in the spring, according to a news release.



The home repair program is part of the $35.2 million Community Benefits Agreement reached in May when City Council and state officials approved incentives for the project.



The tax breaks are supporting FCA's planned $4.5 billion of investments and creation of 6,433 jobs at five manufacturing sites in Southeast Michigan. About $2.5 billion and 4,950 jobs will be steered toward Detroit.



The home repair program started in August with city inspectors working with homeowners in the area to identify priority fixes on properties. The work will be bid out to pre-qualified contractors, the release said.



"Home ownership has widely been considered a part of the American Dream," FCA COO Mark Stewart said in the release. "We want to help our neighbors keep their dreams alive by providing them with an opportunity to invest in their homes."