- Home Repair Programs (HRPs): HRPs provide grants, loans, and technical assistance to low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or weatherize their homes. These programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are available to qualified homeowners in most communities.
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): WAP provides federal funding to states, tribes, and local governments to help low-income families and individuals make energy-efficient improvements to their homes. These improvements can include insulation, weatherstripping, caulking, and the installation of energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.
- Rural Development's Single-Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants: This program provides loans or grants to low-income homeowners in rural communities to repair and rehabilitate their homes. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is available to homeowners in USDA-designated rural areas.
State and local government programs:
In addition to federal programs, many states and local governments offer home repair assistance programs for low-income homeowners. These programs vary from state to state and may include grants, loans, or technical assistance. Some common state and local government home repair programs include:
- Housing rehabilitation programs: These programs provide funding to low-income homeowners to make necessary repairs and improvements to their homes.
- Weatherization programs: These programs provide funding to low-income homeowners to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes.
- Home improvement loan programs: These programs provide loans to low-income homeowners to help them make necessary repairs and improvements to their homes.
- Rebate programs: These programs offer rebates to low-income homeowners who make certain repairs or improvements to their homes.
Nonprofit and community organizations:
Many non-profit and community organizations also offer home repair assistance to low-income homeowners. These organizations may provide grants, loans, technical assistance, or volunteer labor to help low-income homeowners make necessary repairs to their homes. Some common nonprofit and community organization home repair programs include:
- Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing to low-income families and individuals. Habitat for Humanity also offers home repair assistance to low-income homeowners through its Home Repair Program.
- Rebuilding Together: Rebuilding Together is a non-profit organization that provides free home repairs and modifications to low-income homeowners.
- The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army offers a variety of social services to low-income individuals and families, including home repair assistance.
- The United Way: The United Way is a non-profit organization that provides funding to local programs that support low-income individuals and families. The United Way may offer home repair assistance through its local affiliates.
Private lenders:
Some private lenders offer home repair loans to low-income homeowners. These loans are typically unsecured and have high interest rates. However, they may be an option for low-income homeowners who do not qualify for federal or state government assistance programs.
Getting help with home repairs
If you are a low-income homeowner and need assistance with home repairs, you can contact your local housing authority or community action agency to learn about available programs. You can also search online for home repair assistance programs in your area.
