Non-Profit & Government Assistance with Home Repairs
There are a number of options for non-profit and government assistance with home repairs. In this article, I'll be briefly touching on the subject with Hampton as a city example though providing resources throughout the US.
Options Throughout the US:
Find Help - Current, Searchable by Zipcode, & Many Categories of Assistance Including but not Limited to Category on House Maintenance & Repairs
Image courtesy FindHelp
Example:
Image courtesy FindHelp
Options with HUD
"Federal Loan Programs
Community-based Programs
Consumer Information
Reverse Mortgages
"A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)... is only available through a Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-approved lender. The HECM is the FHA's reverse mortgage program that enables you to withdraw a portion of your home's equity to use for home maintenance, repairs, or general living expenses. HECM borrowers may reside in their homes indefinitely as long as property taxes and homeowner's insurance are kept current."
Options Throughout Virginia:
EMERGENCY HOME AND ACCESSIBILITY REPAIR PROGRAM (EHARP) (up to $4k)
"Persons seeking EHARP Assistance
Assistance from local administrators is available to occupants based on income on a first-come, first-served basis. An applicant’s total gross household income from all sources cannot exceed 80 percent of area median income (AMI), adjusted for family size, which is currently determined by HUD. Homeowners and tenants (with homeowner written approval) are eligible to apply. The maximum assistance is $4,000.To apply for assistance, contact your local EHARP provider. The agency can provide additional information on eligibility requirements and how to apply."
Cooling Assistance by Virginia Department of Social Services
"Virginia Department of Social Services' Cooling Assistance program provides purchase or repair of cooling equipment and/or payment for electricity to operate cooling equipment.
This program provides:
- Bill payment assistance
- Purchase or repair of cooling equipment
Applications are accepted online, through the Enterprise Customer Service Center, and at local departments of social services from June 15 through August 15. Assistance is based on the availability of funds."
Go here for more details.
More
"Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development - home improvement and energy conservation loans
Virginia Housing - grant program for home modifications for disabled veterans
Virginia Department of Historic Resources - tax credits can be an effective way to help finance repairs to older properties
Community contacts - find out if your community offers home repair assistance
2-1-1 Infoline - home improvement program information and loan referrals
Habitat for Humanity - through volunteer labor, builds and rehabilitates houses for families in need
Habitat for Humanity ReStores - resale outlets that sell reusable and surplus building materials to the public
Rebuilding Together - assists low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners with home repairs
Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center - loans and grants to qualifying veterans to adapt an existing dwelling to meet specific needs
USDA Rural Development Office - home improvement loans and grants to low-income homeowners in rural area
Options in SE VA:
Hampton Roads Housing Crisis Hotline
"If you are facing a housing crisis, please call the Regional Housing Crisis hotline:
(757) 587-4202
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The hotline is the starting point for anyone who is experiencing a housing crisis throughout Hampton Roads and in need of shelter, related services and/or community resources."
More SE VA Cities
Hampton Example:
Extreme Home Repair Blitz: Helping "elderly, veterans, disabled, or low-income homeowners in the Wythe neighborhood Hampton and the bordering streets in Newport News make repairs to the outside of their homes."
"The Extreme Home Repair Blitz provides exterior services such as:
Repairs to ramps, rails, and porches
Outside painting and siding
Window repairs
Power washing & debris removal
Outdoor clean-up
And more!
*All labor and materials are provided by community sponsors and volunteers to eligible homeowners for a minimal fee, possibly FREE!
Interested homeowners in designated areas can complete the online form or download an application."
Hampton Deferred Home Rehabilitation Grant $1k-$50k
"This is a deferred forgivable loan to help owner occupants of the City of Hampton to rehabilitate their homes. This program enables homeowners to bring their principal residence up to minimum property maintenance code standards. Loan amounts range from a minimum of $I,OOO to a maximum of $25,000 and in some areas up to $50,000. Eligibility for the loan is based on household income, equity in the property, and other criteria."
Contact Hampton Redevelopment & Housing Authority for more details. (757) 727-6337
Hampton WEATHERIZATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM (W.E.E.P.) GRANT $1k-$25k
"HRHA offers funds for residents ofthe City of Hampton to make improvements to their principal residence. The program enables residents to make weatherization and energy efficient improvements to their property. Loan amounts range from a minimum of $I,OOO to a maximum of $25,OOO. Eligibility for the loan is based on household income, equity in the property, and other criteria."
Contact Hampton Redevelopment & Housing Authority for more details. (757) 727-6337
Hampton ACCESSIBILITY GRANT PROGRAM up to $7k
"This program assists non-ambulatory residents in the City of Hampton in need of accessibility modifications to their home. Applicants must qualify based on household income. This grant covers up to $7,000 for the cost of labor and materials to the recipient's primary residence."
Related:
Neighborhood Improvements in Hampton: Old Hampton, Old North Hampton, Pasture Point and Sussex
Hampton Housing Venture areas are neighborhoods strategically selected by City Council. These neighborhoods often need a little extra love in terms of finances, support services and direction. The emphasis is on neighborhood residents and city staff working together to improve the neighborhood.
Residents develop an action plan identifying what they would like to see happen in their neighborhood and then begin working to achieve this goal, with city staff support. The city is able to use federal money to finance activities such as demolition of dilapidated structures, addition of sidewalks or creating a new road.
There are four housing venture areas in Hampton: Old Hampton, Old North Hampton, Pasture Point and Sussex."
Where to Find Equipment To Borrow/Lease/Purchase for Your Property Repairs/Reno/Cleaning
Basic Elements of Service Provider Determinations
Should You Sell to a Cash Offer Off-Market As Is? "Patterns of Parasitic Purchasing" Per Drexel.Edu