20 Home Repair Grants Programs and Projects Across the U.S.
There are many home repair grants programs and projects across the U.S. that serve different populations and needs. Here are 20 examples of such programs, along with their brief descriptions and eligibility criteria:
Federal Programs
- USDA Rural Development: This is a federal agency that offers loans and grants for home repairs and improvements in rural areas. Eligible homeowners must have an income below 50% of the area median income, be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere, and have a property that is located in an eligible rural area.
- HUD Title 1 Property Improvement Loan Program: This is a federal program that offers loan amounts and repayment terms based on the type of property you have. Eligible homeowners must have a good credit history, a steady income, and a property that meets the HUD standards and local codes.
- 203 (k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program: This is a federal program that lets homebuyers and homeowners borrow an extra $35,000 through their mortgage for home repairs and improvements. Eligible homeowners must have a property that is at least one year old, a credit score of at least 500, and a debt-to-income ratio of no more than 43%.
- VA Specially Adapted Housing Grant (VA Special Housing Adaptation Grant): This is a federal program that helps veterans and service members with certain service-connected disabilities to purchase, build, or modify a home for their disability needs. Eligible veterans and service members must have a permanent and total disability that affects their mobility, vision, or breathing.
- Native American Housing Improvement Program: This is a federal program that provides grants to federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations to improve the housing conditions of low-income Native Americans. Eligible homeowners must be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe, have an income below 80% of the area median income, and live in an approved service area.
- Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program: This is a federal program that helps Native American borrowers to obtain loans for home purchase, construction, or improvement on trust land or land located in an Indian or Alaska Native area. Eligible borrowers must be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe, have a credit score of at least 580, and have a debt-to-income ratio of no more than 41%.
- Weatherization Assistance Program: This is a federal program that provides grants to states, territories, and tribes to improve the energy efficiency of low-income households. Eligible homeowners must have an income below 200% of the federal poverty level or receive Supplemental Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program: This is a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income households to help them pay their heating and cooling bills. Eligible homeowners must have an income below 150% of the federal poverty level or 60% of the state median income, whichever is higher.
- Energy Efficient Mortgage Program: This is a federal program that allows homebuyers and homeowners to finance the cost of adding energy efficiency features to a new or existing home as part of their FHA-insured home purchase or refinance mortgage. Eligible homeowners must have a property that meets the FHA standards and local codes, and a credit score of at least 500.
State Programs
- Home Energy Rebate Program Alaska: This is a state program that offers rebates for energy efficiency improvements to existing homes in Alaska. Eligible homeowners must have a property that is their primary residence, have an energy rating of one to four stars, and complete the improvements within 18 months of the energy rating.
- Homeowner Rehabilitation Assistance Program Texas: This is a state program that provides grants to local governments and non-profit organizations to assist low-income homeowners with home repairs and improvements in Texas. Eligible homeowners must have an income below 80% of the area median income, own and occupy their homes, and have a property that is located in a participating jurisdiction.
- Home Repair Program Vermont: This is a state program that provides loans and grants to low-income homeowners for home repairs and improvements in Vermont. Eligible homeowners must have an income below 80% of the area median income, own and occupy their homes, and have a property that is located in a rural area or a town with a population of less than 2,500.
- Home Preservation Program Oregon: This is a state program that provides loans and grants to low-income homeowners for home repairs and improvements in Oregon. Eligible homeowners must have an income below 80% of the area median income, own and occupy their homes, and have a property that is located in a participating county.
- Home Repair Loan and Grant Program Maine: This is a state program that provides loans and grants to low-income homeowners for home repairs and improvements in Maine. Eligible homeowners must have an income below 50% of the area median income, own and occupy their homes, and have a property that is located in a rural area or a town with a population of less than 10,000.
- Home Repair Program Los Angeles County: This is a county program that provides loans and grants to low-income homeowners for home repairs and improvements in Los Angeles County, California. Eligible homeowners must have an income below 80% of the area median income, own and occupy their homes, and have a property that is located in an unincorporated area or a participating city.
- Home Repair Program Philadelphia: This is a city program that provides loans and grants to low-income homeowners for home repairs and improvements in Philadelphia.
Non-Profit Programs
- Home Repairs Ministries: This is a non-profit organization that provides critical home repairs and modifications for low-income widows, single mothers, seniors, and people with disabilities. Eligible homeowners must live in the metro Atlanta area and have an income below 80% of the area median income.
- Habitat for Humanity: This is a well-known non-profit organization that builds houses for low-income families and also offers homeowners assistance with repairs. Eligible homeowners must demonstrate a need for housing, a willingness to partner with Habitat, and an ability to pay an affordable mortgage or loan.
- Rebuilding Together: This is a national non-profit organization that repairs homes, revitalizes communities, and rebuilds lives for low-income homeowners, especially the elderly, veterans, and people with disabilities. Eligible homeowners must own and occupy their homes, have an income below 80% of the area median income, and be unable to complete the repairs themselves.
