Last updated: July 28, 2026 Possible poisoning or urgent exposure: If someone may have swallowed paint chips or another lead-containing material, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. The line is free, confidential, and open 24 hours a day. Call 911 for a seizure, trouble breathing, collapse, or another life-threatening emergency. For possible ongoing exposure, call a … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 If the roof may collapse, water is touching wiring, you smell gas, or there is a fire or shock risk, leave the unsafe area and call 911. Do not climb onto a wet, damaged, icy, or storm-damaged roof. Move people, pets, medicine, papers, and electronics away from active leaks when … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Immediate danger: Leave the home and call 911, the fire department, or the utility emergency line if you smell gas, see active electrical arcing, suspect carbon monoxide, face a collapse risk, or cannot safely remain inside. A repair program is not an emergency-response service. Bottom Line Repairs are most likely … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 If the stairs may collapse or someone cannot leave safely Stop using the stairs if treads are breaking, the landing is pulling away, supports are rotten, concrete is crumbling, or the stairs move under weight. Block the area so children, visitors, and pets do not use it. Call 911 if … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Raw sewage in the home? Stop using sinks, toilets, showers, and appliances if you can do so safely. Keep children and pets away. Do not touch sewage with bare skin. Do not enter standing water near outlets, appliances, or an electrical panel. Call your sewer utility first to rule out … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Is the roof unsafe right now? Leave the affected area if the ceiling is sagging, water is reaching electrical wiring, a tree hit the home, or part of the roof may collapse. Call 911 for immediate danger. Call the electric utility from a safe place if water is near the … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Bottom line: Some nonprofits repair homes at no cost, but most do not hand homeowners a cash grant. Help is usually delivered through a local affiliate, volunteer crew, approved contractor, affordable loan, weatherization service, or locally funded repair program. Start with organizations that serve your ZIP code, ask what type … Read more
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 … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Do not wait for a repair program when the home is dangerous. Leave and call 911 for fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, sparking wires, a gas smell, a collapsing structure, or another immediate threat. Call the utility from outside if you smell gas. For no heat during severe cold, unsafe cooling … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Urgent fence danger: Keep people and pets away from a fence that is leaning into a street or walkway, has sharp exposed metal, surrounds a pool but no longer closes securely, or is touching a fallen utility line. Call 911 for an immediate life-safety emergency. Contact the utility company for … Read more