Housing adaptation projects can be financed by grants.
There are several programs available that sponsor grants to finance home renovation, adaptation and improvement projects in the United States. Projects funded by these grants are carried out to make homes and housing units handicap accessible, energy efficient and safer. Recipients do not need to repay these housing adaptation grants.
VA Specially Adapted Housing Program
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) sponsors the Specially Adapted Housing program for veterans. This program provides grants to fund adaptation projects to be carried out on homes of veterans who have service and non-service related disabilities. There are three grants available for veterans: Special Home Adaptations (SHA), Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Housing Improvements and Special Alterations (HISA). SAH (up to $50,000) and SHA ($10,000) are for veterans with service-related disabilities only. HISA grants can be awarded to veterans with either service ($4,100) or non-service ($1,200) related disabilities.
Brian N. Bixler
Chief
Specially Adapted Housing
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
202-461-9546
va.gov
Very Low-Income Housing Repair
Homeowners can receive grants from the Very Low Income Housing Repair Program to renovate and modify their homes. The grant program pays for these home modification projects that result in the removal of health and safety hazards from in and around the recipient’s homes. Applicants must be 62 years of age or older and financially unable to pay back loans. They must also not sell their homes for three years. If this obligation is not met, the grant program can seek repayment of funds. These grants are sponsored by the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Housing and Community Facilities Programs National Office
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room 5014 South Building
14th Street and Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20250
202-720-9619
rurdev.usda.gov
Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides grants to finance renovations to households to make them energy efficient. Sponsored by the Department of Energy, grants fund projects such as insulating walls and ceilings, window replacements and improving the home’s electric, heating and cooling systems. Low income households receive these renovation services free of charge. Project costs typically cannot exceed $6,500 per home.
Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program
U.S. Department of Energy
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
1000 Independence Ave, SW, Mail Stop EE-2K
U.S. Department of Energy
Washington, DC 20585
202-586-5000
eere.energy.gov
Tags: Adapted Housing, Specially Adapted, Specially Adapted Housing, Department Energy, adaptation projects, Avenue Washington, Department Agriculture
