Home Repair Grants in Rhode Island

This plain‑language guide helps Rhode Island homeowners find and apply for repair help. It focuses on seniors, disabled homeowners, single parents, rural residents, and veterans. You’ll see who may qualify, which programs to try first, how funds really work (grants vs. loans), and the exact steps to apply.

Last updated: December 2025
Checked against official sources as of December 2025. This is general information, not legal or financial advice, and we are not a government agency.

Who This Is For & Quick Eligibility Check

You’ll likely benefit from this guide if you are:

• A homeowner living in your Rhode Island home (1–4 units).
• Low or moderate income, or on a fixed income (SSI/SSDI, pension, VA, etc.).
• A senior (62+), a person with a disability, a veteran, or living in a rural town.
• Dealing with essential repairs (roof leak, heat, plumbing, electrical, lead, accessibility, septic/sewer, weatherization).

Quick check before applying:

• Owner-occupied (or, for some programs, landlords who rent to low‑income tenants).
• Home is in Rhode Island and needs health, safety, code, or energy repairs.
• Household income is within program limits (see HUD’s income limits tool).
• Willing to provide documents (ID, deed/tax bill, income, utility bills, contractor estimates if asked).

Top Programs in Rhode Island (Quick Table)

Amounts below are examples only. Actual awards vary by inspection, bids, and budget. Always check the official page for current limits and status.

Program	Type	Example max help ($)	Main audience	Where to apply
Rhode Island Statewide Home Repair Program (admin. by Providence Revolving Fund)	Forgivable loan (5‑year lien; 20% forgiven per year)	Up to $50,000 (1–2 units); up to $75,000 (3–4 units)	Households near/below 80% AMI; some landlord units serving low‑income tenants	See the PRF home repair program (launch noted in the Governor’s press release).
Providence CDBG Home Repair	0% deferred loan (repaid at sale/transfer/cash‑out refi)	Up to $25,000 (emergencies prioritized)	Owner‑occupied homes in Providence; low/mod income	Apply via the City’s housing page (program details also in the City’s announcement).
East Providence Home Improvement Program (HIP)	Grants, 0% deferred loans, and low‑interest loans	Varies by scope and need	Owner‑occupied and qualifying rentals in East Providence	Use the City’s HIP page (info packet + application).
Warwick Community Development Home Improvement	Fixed‑rate low‑interest loans; sewer tie‑in grants	Varies (code/safety repairs)	Warwick low/mod homeowners; some sewer connections	See Warwick community development program details.
Woonsocket Lead Hazard Reduction	Forgivable loans (100% forgiven after 5 years if terms met)	Covers licensed lead abatement + related repairs	Homes built before 1978; income‑eligible; child under 6 present/visiting	Apply through the City’s lead hazard program.
RI Livable Home Modification Grant	Reimbursement grant (50% of costs)	Up to $4,500 (accessibility modifications)	People with disabilities (owners/renters) needing ramps, baths, doorways, etc.	See the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities livable homes program and FAQs.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)	Free weatherization (no-cost services)	Services (insulation, air sealing, heating safety)	Income‑eligible homeowners & renters (with landlord OK)	Start at RI DHS’s WAP page (apply via local CAP agency).
Clean Heat RI (heat pumps)	Incentive/rebate (some 100% coverage for low‑income)	Low‑income: up to 100% of project; Moderate: up to 60%	Households switching from oil/propane/natural gas	See OER’s program page and the Governor’s funding update.
USDA Section 504 Home Repair	Loan (1%) and/or grant (62+)	Loan up to $40,000; Grant up to $10,000	Very‑low‑income rural homeowners; health/safety repairs	Use USDA’s CT‑MA‑RI page (email and forms on page).
Septic & Sewer (CSSLP & STILF)	Low/zero‑interest loans	CSSLP often up to ~$25,000; STILF up to $10,000	Homeowners in participating towns needing septic repair or sewer tie‑in	See RIIB’s CSSLP program and STILF details (applications via town + RIHousing).
Bristol Home Repair Program (Newport County)	Grants/loans (CDBG‑funded)	Varies; uses HUD income limits	Owner‑occupied homes in Bristol; income‑eligible	Apply via the Town’s program page (CCHC administers).

Short Federal Snapshot (with Rhode Island links)

• USDA 504: In Rhode Island’s rural towns, USDA offers 1% repair loans (up to $40,000) and grants for seniors 62+ (up to $10,000) for health/safety fixes. Start on the regional CT‑MA‑RI page. For background on who qualifies and what to expect, see this simple USDA 504 guide.
• Weatherization (WAP): RI’s WAP is run by the Department of Human Services and local CAP agencies. It provides free energy and safety upgrades. Apply via RI DHS’s WAP page.
• Disaster repairs (FEMA): After a declared disaster, apply at FEMA’s Disaster Assistance site and check RIEMA’s Individual Assistance. You can’t be paid twice for the same damage, so keep your award letters handy.

Rhode Island Programs (Core Details)

1) Statewide Home Repair Program (Providence Revolving Fund)

Rhode Island launched a new statewide home repair effort in November 2025. The program offers forgivable loans recorded as a 5‑year lien; 20% is forgiven each year if you stay in compliance (don’t sell/transfer or cash‑out refi). See the PRF home repair program and the state’s launch notice for program scope and eligibility.

• Type: Forgivable loan (lien for 5 years).
• Typical uses: Roofs, heating, electrical, plumbing, lead/healthy‑homes, accessibility, energy upgrades.
• Who: Households around or below 80% AMI; some 2–4 unit properties; prioritizes older adults and people with disabilities.
• Money flow: PRF manages estimates, bids, and pays contractors directly; you do not pay contractors yourself.

“Forgivable loan” warning: This is not a cash grant. A lien is recorded; if you sell/transfer or do a cash‑out refinance before year 5, you may have to repay the unforgiven portion.

2) Providence CDBG Home Repair (Owner‑Occupied)

Providence provides a 0% deferred loan for emergency and code repairs (payment due when you sell/transfer or cash‑out refi). Emergencies (no heat/water, unsafe wiring, leaking roof) are prioritized; non‑emergency cases may wait. See the City’s housing page and prior program notice.

• Type: 0% deferred loan; due at sale/transfer/cash‑out refi.
• Example cap: Up to $25,000 (actual awards vary by need and budget).
• Tip: Answer calls quickly and have documents ready to avoid losing your place.

3) East Providence Home Improvement Program (HIP)

East Providence’s HIP offers a mix of grants, zero‑interest deferred loans, and low‑interest loans for emergency/code and energy/safety repairs. Eligibility is income‑based. Use the City’s HIP page to read the info packet and submit an application.

4) Warwick Community Development Home Improvement

Warwick provides fixed‑rate, low‑interest loans for code and safety repairs, and grants to tie into the sewer system when required. Details and contact are on Warwick’s community development page.

5) Lead Safety (Providence & Woonsocket)

Lead programs pay licensed pros to reduce hazards in pre‑1978 homes. Providence’s Lead Safe loans are forgivable after 3 years (owner‑occupied) or 5 years (non‑owner), and you enroll through CAPP’s Lead Safe Providence with City info on the housing page. Woonsocket offers 100% forgivable loans after 5 years, with details at Lead Hazard Reduction.

Lead help is limited to eligible households and often requires that a child under 6 lives in or frequently visits the home. For rules and complaints, see RI’s lead enforcement page.

6) Livable Home Modification Grant (Accessibility)

The state reimburses 50% of approved accessibility costs up to $4,500 (ramps, bath changes, widening doors, switches, etc.). You must pay first and then seek reimbursement, so keep all invoices. See the program page and FAQ at the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities (program info and FAQs).

This is a reimbursement grant. If cash flow is tight, ask the agency about timing or pairing with a local loan program.

7) Weatherization Assistance (WAP) & Energy Help

WAP provides free home energy and safety work (insulation, air sealing, heating safety, CO/smoke detectors). Apply with your local CAP agency through the RI DHS WAP page. Many households start with LIHEAP heating help at the DHS LIHEAP page.

8) Clean Heat RI (Heat Pumps & Electrical Upgrades)

Rhode Island offers heat‑pump incentives for households replacing oil/propane/natural gas. Low‑income households can get up to 100% of project costs (including electrical upgrades) and moderate‑income households can get up to 60%. Review OER’s program page and the July 2025 funding update; technical details and forms are on CleanHeatRI.com.

9) Septic & Sewer (CSSLP & STILF)

If you have a failing septic or must connect to sewer, your town may offer low/zero‑interest financing. See RI Infrastructure Bank’s CSSLP page and STILF program. Loan servicing is handled by RIHousing; many towns (e.g., Cranston) post their own CSSLP details.

10) USDA Section 504 (Rural Repairs)

Very‑low‑income rural homeowners can apply for 1% loans up to $40,000 and, if 62+, grants up to $10,000 for health/safety hazards. See the regional CT‑MA‑RI page for forms and where to send your application. A $20,000 loan at 1% for 20 years is about $92/month for principal and interest.

Loan caution: Loans are debt and recorded as a lien. Only borrow if you can afford the payment and taxes/insurance.

City & Town Programs (Selected)

Many RI municipalities use CDBG/HOME funds. Entitlement cities (Providence, Cranston, East Providence, Pawtucket, Warwick, Woonsocket) run their own programs. Others apply through the state’s CDBG program.

City/Town	Program	Example repairs	Who qualifies	How to apply
Providence	CDBG Home Repair; Lead Safe Providence; Statewide Home Repair	Emergency roof/heat, code; lead abatement; major health/safety	Low/mod homeowners; pre‑1978 homes for lead; some landlord units	See City’s housing page; Lead via CAPP; statewide aid via PRF.
East Providence	Home Improvement Program (HIP)	Emergency/code, accessibility, energy efficiency	Owner‑occupied and qualifying rentals; income‑eligible	Use the City’s HIP page.
Warwick	Home Improvement Loans; Sewer tie‑in grants	Code/safety; required sewer connections	Low/mod income homeowners in Warwick	See community development for details.
Cranston	Residential rehab (CDBG); Septic CSSLP	Code/safety (CDBG); septic repair/replacement	Income‑eligible homeowners; septic work in participating areas	Rehab via City’s community development; septic via CSSLP page.
Pawtucket	CDBG/HOME activities; HOME‑ARP (special uses)	Owner rehab sometimes funded via CDBG/HOME rounds	Low/mod households in Pawtucket	See the City’s CDBG page and HOME page.
Woonsocket	Lead Hazard Reduction; HOME homeowner rehab	Lead abatement; rehab loans for low/mod households	Pre‑1978 homes; low/mod incomes	See Woonsocket lead program and HOME page.
Bristol (Newport County)	Home Repair Program (via CCHC)	Owner‑occupied rehab; accessibility; code	Income‑eligible homeowners in Bristol	Apply through the Town’s program page (CCHC administers).
West Warwick	Housing Rehabilitation (CDBG)	Owner rehab (when open)	Low/mod homeowners (when accepting apps)	Check status on the Town’s CDBG page (often waitlists/pauses).

If your town isn’t listed, call City/Town Hall and ask for “Community Development” or “CDBG/HOME owner‑occupied rehab.” The state’s CDBG page shows how non‑entitlement towns apply through Rhode Island’s competitive rounds.

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Programs use household income and size, often a percentage of Area Median Income (AMI). Some use 80% AMI, others 50%, and energy programs may use 60% of State Median Income (SMI). Always check the program’s current rules and HUD’s income limits tool.

• Example (80% AMI): The Bristol program lists (effective June 1, 2025) $64,050 for a 1‑person household and $91,450 for a 4‑person household; see the Town’s home repair page for the full table. Your city’s limits may differ—confirm with HUD’s tool.
• Energy help (LIHEAP): RI LIHEAP typically uses ≤60% SMI. As a reference, Rhode Island Energy posts monthly figures by household size on its LIHEAP page; always confirm on the DHS LIHEAP page.

Special Groups & Quick Examples

Seniors (62+)

• Start with the Livable Home Modification Grant for ramps, bathroom access, and doorway widening (see program info). Pair with WAP through the RI DHS WAP page for safety/efficiency.
• For larger repairs (roof, systems), check the statewide PRF home repair program and city CDBG/HOME rehab (e.g., Providence housing or East Providence HIP).
• Example: “A 70‑year‑old homeowner in Warwick with a leaking roof may use Warwick’s home improvement loan and, for energy issues, request WAP through RI DHS.”

For a plain‑English overview of senior‑focused help and what to expect, you can also skim this seniors repair guide (background only).

Veterans

• For service‑connected disabilities, the VA’s SAH/SHA grants can fund major accessibility work; amounts are updated annually—see VA’s disability housing grants.
• For housing stability and referrals, contact Operation Stand Down RI (OSDRI services) and your local VA office.
• Example: “A Vietnam‑era veteran in Pawtucket who needs a roll‑in shower can explore VA SHA plus the state’s livable homes grant.”

Disabled Homeowners

• For accessibility, start with the livable homes FAQ and contact OSCIL for assessment support (OSCIL home access).
• For energy/safety, use WAP via RI DHS’s WAP page.

Rural Residents

• Look at USDA 504 repairs (CT‑MA‑RI page) and your town’s CSSLP for failing septic.
• Example: “A homeowner in Richmond with a failing septic can apply through the town (CSSLP) and consider USDA 504 for a failing roof.”

Families with Children (Lead or Emergencies)

• For lead, use Providence’s Lead Safe or Woonsocket’s Lead Hazard Reduction.
• For heat and urgent energy issues, start with LIHEAP at RI DHS’s LIHEAP page.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

1. Make a simple repair list (roof leak, no heat, unsafe wiring, accessibility ramp, septic failure).
2. Gather documents: photo ID, proof of ownership (deed/tax bill), income (paystubs/award letters), recent utility bills, and any code/inspection letters.
3. If heat or energy is the problem, start applications at RI DHS’s LIHEAP page and the WAP weatherization page.
4. Unsure where to start? Call 2‑1‑1 (United Way) or use the 211 Rhode Island page and ask for home repair referrals in your town.

This week

1. If you live in Providence, East Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, or Woonsocket, check your city’s rehab page (see the table above). For other towns, ask City/Town Hall about “CDBG owner‑occupied rehab.”
2. For statewide forgivable help, submit an interest form to PRF’s home repair program.
3. If rural and very low income, contact USDA via the regional CT‑MA‑RI 504 page to start your 1% loan/grant application.
4. Lead hazard? Reach out to Lead Safe Providence or Woonsocket Lead Hazard.
5. Septic failing? Ask your town about CSSLP and review RIIB’s CSSLP program.

This month

1. Complete intake appointments. Keep a folder with case numbers and staff emails.
2. Get 1–2 contractor estimates if asked (never start work before approval). For roof issues, see this plain‑English roof repair overview to prepare questions.
3. If you had disaster damage, apply at FEMA’s Disaster Assistance and check RIEMA’s Individual Assistance. Keep receipts; you can’t be paid twice for the same item.

Expect waitlists: Weatherization and city rehab can take months. Apply early, answer calls fast, and update your contact info with each agency.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

If denied or funds are gone:

• Ask for the reasons in writing and whether there’s an appeal or a next round.
• Ask about waitlists and when to reapply. For LIHEAP, see appeal info on the DHS LIHEAP page.
• Try nonprofits: Habitat Greater Providence’s Aging in Place, South County Habitat’s programs, and Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHNRI).
• Consider safe loans if a grant isn’t available: USDA 504 (1%) via USDA’s CT‑MA‑RI page or city low‑interest rehab loans.

Common mistakes (and quick fixes):

• Starting work before written approval → Wait for a signed agreement or you may lose eligibility.
• Missing documents → Use a checklist; ask the intake worker to confirm your file is complete.
• Not answering calls/emails → Add agency numbers to contacts; return calls within 48 hours.
• Unlicensed contractors → Ask the city/program for qualified contractors or use their bid list.
• Title issues/heirs’ property → Call 2‑1‑1 for legal referrals or see HUD’s Rhode Island page for legal aid links.

Phone Scripts (Short and Practical)

Calling RI DHS about WAP/LIHEAP

“Hi, I live in [Town]. I need help with [no heat / high bills / insulation]. Can you connect me with my CAP agency to apply for LIHEAP and Weatherization? I have my income papers and ID ready.”

Calling Your City/Town Rehab Program

“Hello, I own and live at [address]. I’m low income and need help with [roof/electrical/lead]. Do you have a CDBG or HOME owner‑occupied rehab program? How do I apply, and what documents should I bring?”

Calling USDA Rural Development (504 repairs)

“Hi, I’m in [Town]. My home needs [roof/heat/septic], and I’m very low income. Can you tell me how to apply for Section 504 repair assistance for Rhode Island and where to send my application?”

Calling a Nonprofit (Habitat / NHNRI)

“Hi, I’m an owner‑occupant in [Town]. I’m on a fixed income and need [ramp/critical repair]. Could you tell me if I meet your criteria and how to get on your list?”

FAQs (Rhode Island‑Specific)

Do Rhode Island programs help with roof replacements?

 

Can I get help if my home is a manufactured/mobile home?

 

What if my income is just over the limit?

 

How do disaster grants work in Rhode Island?

 

Will programs pay contractors directly?

 

Are there help options for septic or sewer problems?

 

Will this money affect my taxes or benefits?

 

Who can I call if I’m stuck?

 

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Resumen en español (breve)

Esta guía es para propietarios de vivienda en Rhode Island con ingresos bajos o moderados (personas mayores, con discapacidades, veteranos, familias con niños y residentes rurales). Si su casa necesita reparaciones de seguridad (techo con filtraciones, calefacción, electricidad, plomería, accesibilidad, plomo o sistema séptico), empiece con:

• Ayuda de energía y climatización: Solicite LIHEAP y Weatherization (WAP) a través del Departamento de Servicios Humanos en la página de programas de energía.
• Programa estatal de reparaciones: El Providence Revolving Fund administra préstamos perdonables para reparaciones esenciales; vea el programa de PRF.
• Programas de su ciudad: Revise la página de su municipio (por ejemplo, Providence o East Providence).
• Dueños rurales/ingreso muy bajo: El USDA 504 ofrece préstamos al 1% y subvenciones para mayores de 62 años; consulte la página regional CT‑MA‑RI.
• Accesibilidad: La subvención “Livable Home” reembolsa el 50% (hasta $4,500) para rampas y baños; vea la página de GCD.

Si necesita ayuda para empezar o intérprete: llame al 2‑1‑1 (United Way) y pida referencias de programas de reparación y servicios de idioma.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Verify income cutoffs in HUD’s income limits tool.
• Confirm USDA 504 terms and where to send forms on USDA’s CT‑MA‑RI page.
• Check energy/weatherization updates at RI DHS’s energy programs page.
• For local rehab, use your city pages (e.g., Providence housing and East Providence HIP), or the state’s CDBG page.
• After storms, check RIEMA’s Individual Assistance and FEMA’s Disaster Assistance.
• When stuck, dial 2‑1‑1 or visit 211 Rhode Island for live referrals.

Rules, amounts, and income limits change. Confirm details with the agency or a trusted housing counselor before you sign anything. This guide is not legal, tax, or financial advice.