City officials asked the county commissioners for $50,000 from the Housing Trust Fund, but the commissioners said that fund is limited and there are other county projects that need the money.

In 2007, $36,000 were used to clean up, paint and repair 19 homes along 6th and 7th avenues. Local businesses and 200 volunteers donated their time and the manpower. The mayor of Altoona said there are dozens of homeowners waiting for that same help this year.

City officials are also making improvements to the curbs and sidewalks along 6th Avenue from Kettle Street to 12th Street and they've planted 125 shade trees. They said they don't want to stop the effort when there's so much more work to do, or turn away homeowners who need the help.

"A lot of these homes are owned by elderly folks who don't have the means to necessarily to upkeep their homes or get them repainted," said Mayor Wayne Hippo.

The county commissioners are planning to look at the city's request once more next week before they vote.