Non-Profit & Government Assistance with Home Repairs & Disability Adaptations
- Adam Garrett
- Jul 13, 2023
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 3, 2024
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 for Veterans for Adapted Housing Grants
The Specially Adapted Housing Grant can be used to buy, build, or change a permanent home for those current or would be homeowners with a service connected disability. "If you qualify for an SAH grant, you can get up to $117,014 for FY 2024."
A 'Special Home Adaptation grant is similar, but with different criteria (i.e. a family member may own the home) & with lower limits, $23,444 for FY 2024.
A Temporary Residence Adaptation may be used by those qualifying for a SAH or SHA grant, who are "living temporarily in a family member’s home that needs changes to meet your needs." Those qualifying for the following have the following max amount available for FY 2024:
SAH: $47,130
SHA: $8415
Free Temporary Roof Coverings
Free temporary roofs may be available. "Operation Blue Roof is managed by the Corps for FEMA. The purpose of Operation Blue Roof is to provide homeowners in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced plastic sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. Operation Blue Roof protects property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm.
This is a free service to homeowners. Operation Blue Roof protects property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm."
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.
Virginia Housing Accessibility Grant (up to $8k): A. Granting Freedom (Disabled Veterans and service members), B. Owner-Occupied Modification, C. Rental Unit Accessibility Modification (Renters)
Per "Virginia Housing Accessibility Grants" as of 8/2/24:
Program Description
Virginia Housing’s Accessibility Grant Program makes funding available to assist with modifications to housing units to make them accessible for persons with disabilities. The modifications made to the home must relate to the occupant’s functional use of the home. Typical modifications include, but are not limited to:
• Installation of ramps and chairlifts
• Widening of doorways and sidewalks
• Remote entry devices
• Alterations to bathrooms (tub cuts, grab bars, toilets, faucets, etc.) and kitchens
Applicants with modifications exceeding the maximum grant amount will need to find additional sources of funds to supplement the project cost (e.g. funds from local civic organizations, personal or family funds, or other government funded programs).
The organization shall designate and identify to Virginia Housing a person or persons to serve as Virginia Housing’s sole point(s) of contact for this grant. Such person or persons shall be employees of the organizations and not a contractor or consultant.
Applications will be accepted from Agents on behalf of the applicant. Approved Agents include but are not limited to Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Local Housing Authorities. Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.
All communications for the work to be completed will be between the Agent, Contractor, Applicant, and Landlord. Virginia Housing’s Grant Programs Administrator does not intercede in this communication process. The Agent should be the only point of contact between the program participants and Virginia Housing.
The home requiring modifications must be the primary principal residence of the individual with a disability.
The Accessibility Grant Program consists of three funding opportunities.
Eligibility Guidelines
The grant provides funds on a first come/first served basis, for a maximum of $8,000. Funds can be used for any renovations that are needed to make the unit accessible for a person who is disabled. Agents are eligible for an administrative stipend of $500.
2.1 Restrictions
• Applicants are limited to one grant every five years unless the applicant moves to a new location which requires modification or if the modification was damaged due to natural causes (weather).
• Funds may not be used to cover modification expenses previously covered by another funding source.
• Applicants living in units with shared common areas must have an individual lease to be considered as an individual household.
• Contractors receiving funds pursuant to this grant may in no way have an existing relationship (current employment, contractual or voluntary) with the organization during the term of this grant.
• The Accessibility Grant program is intended to modify the home to make it more accessible to persons with disabilities. These grants are not intended for short term needs.
2.2 Freedom of Information Act
Virginia Housing is subject to and will, at all times, comply with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”). Virginia Housing will endeavor to protect from disclosure any financial information of the Applicant which is exempt from disclosure under FOIA.
2.3 Conflict of Interest
No officer or employee of an applicant or awarded organization shall have a personal interest in a contract with that organization of which he/she is an officer or employee.
3 Types of Grants
1.1 Granting Freedom
Virginia Housing’s Granting Freedom Program, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Veteran Services, makes funding available to assist with modifications to owner-occupied homes or rental units in Virginia to make them accessible for Virginia servicemembers and veterans who sustained a line-of-duty injury resulting in a service-connected disability. Funds can only used for any renovations that are needed to make the residence accessible for servicemembers or veterans with a service-connected disability. For rental units, these funds will not pay for the cost of items that are required to be provided by the housing owner.
The service-connected disability must be documented by either:
• US Department of Veteran Affairs Notification, Award or Rating Letter citing serviceconnected disability, for Veterans.
• MEB/PEB documentation citing service-connected disability, for Servicemembers.
Tenants paying rent to a person who owns and resides in the residence are not eligible. A copy of a valid lease agreement listing the eligible tenant is required with the application. Homeowners must provide documentation of their ownership of the property.
1.2 Rental Unit Modification
Virginia Housing’s Rental Unit Modification Grant makes funding available to assist with modifications to rental units to make them accessible for a specific tenant. The modifications made to the rental unit must make the unit accessible to the tenant. These funds are available to persons earning 80% or less of the area median income, based on HUD guidelines. These income limits are available here: https://www.virginiahousing.com/partners/rentalhousing/income-limits. These funds will not pay for the cost of items that are required to be provided by the housing owner.
Applicants paying rent to a person who owns and resides in the residence are not eligible. A copy of a valid lease agreement listing the eligible tenant is required with the application.
1.3 Owner-Occupied Modification
Virginia Housing’s Owner-Occupied Modification Grant makes funding available to assist with modifications to homes to make them accessible to, primarily elderly, owners with disabilities. The modification must directly address barriers created by the disability. These funds are available to persons earning 80% or less of the area median income, based on HUD guidelines. These income limits are available here: https://www.virginiahousing.com/partners/rentalhousing/income-limits. This program is targeted at homeowners aged 65 and older. Applicants under 65 must provide written documentation of the need for the accessibility improvement, such as a doctor’s letter, insurance documentation, or social security documentation showing the nature of the disability. Applicants must provide documentation of their ownership of the property.
More
"Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development - home improvement and energy conservation loans
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 Certain Cities/Counties:
Tax Incentives for Rehabilitation
"§ 58.1-3220. Partial exemption for certain rehabilitated, renovated or replacement residential structures.
A. The governing body of any county, city or town may, by ordinance, provide for the partial exemption from taxation of real estate on which any structure or other improvement no less than 15 years of age has undergone substantial rehabilitation, renovation or replacement for residential use, subject to such conditions as the ordinance may prescribe. The ordinance may, in addition to any other restrictions hereinafter provided, restrict such exemptions to real property located within described zones or districts whose boundaries shall be determined by the governing body. The governing body of a county, city or town may (i) establish criteria for determining whether real estate qualifies for the partial exemption authorized by this provision, (ii) require such structures to be older than 15 years of age, (iii) establish requirements for the square footage of replacement structures, and (iv) place such other restrictions and conditions on such property as may be prescribed by ordinance. Such ordinance may also provide for the partial exemption from taxation of multifamily residential units that have been substantially rehabilitated by replacement for multifamily use..."
See also:
"Local real property tax credits on certain rehabilitated, renovated or replacement residential structures"
Hampton WEATHERIZATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM (W.E.E.P.) GRANT $1k-$30k
"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 $30,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 Deferred Home Rehabilitation Grant $1k-$30k
"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 ACCESSIBILITY GRANT PROGRAM up to $8.5k
"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."
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." (Discontinued?)
"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 ($100 or less), possibly FREE!
Interested homeowners in designated areas can complete the online form or download an application."
"For additional questions about any of the repair programs offered by Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg, email abwk@habitatpgw.org or call the Repair Line at 757-427-8415."
Hampton Rock the Block (Discontinued?)
"In partnership with the Hampton Redevelopment & Housing Authority, Habitat’s home improvement matching grant program can provide as much as $20,000 per house for exterior, curb appeal enhancements in designated neighborhoods. Applicants who are approved through the grant program pay a small portion toward the work is no more than $2,000. Investors and renters pay no more than $10,000 total. Funds are available to all single-family and duplex residential property owners and renters in the designated neighborhood, regardless of income. Renters must have written permission from their landlord submitted with the application. Residents who live in qualifying Hampton communities each cycle can apply for the program by calling 311 to request an application or filling out an application package that is available at the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg and online at HabitatPGW.org/RockTheBlock ."
"For additional questions about any of the repair programs offered by Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg, email abwk@habitatpgw.org or call the Repair Line at 757-427-8415."
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
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."
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