The City of Brewton has demolished 24 dilapidated homes in Brewton — and has money to tear down dozens more, but that money will run out at the end of this year.

At that point, the costs will shift to homeowners.

The city is in the midst of using Community Development Block Grant funding to tear down the houses, but homeowners themselves must apply for the program and submit proper paperwork.

“I keep stressing that this is no cost to homeowners,” Councilman Joe Watson said. “The choice is to allow the city to cover the cost, or it will cost you later.”

Brewton Community Development Director Steve Yuhasz said the city has another seven structures on the waiting list to be torn down, as long as proper documentation is submitted. But he is hoping more homeowners will take advantage of the program.

“We’ve still got close to 70” buildings on the city’s list that need to be torn down, he said, but property owners must request the help.

“This is free money available,” Yuhasz said.

Anyone interested in the program can call the community development office at 809-1760. Watson encouraged residents to let their neighbors know about the program.