Houston residents can apply for help through the city's Single Family Home Repair Program.
The city of Houston provides funding for the Single Family Home Repair Program. The goal of this program is to eliminate health and safety threats in low-income family homes. The program provides assistance for general rehabilitation, emergency repairs and complete reconstruction of deteriorating homes. As of August 2010, the Housing and Community Development Department is only accepting applications for the Emergency Home Repair Program. Applications for the Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Hurricane Disaster Relief programs are still being processed. Qualified applicants will be contacted. New Home Repair applications will not be available until after December 31, 2011.
Emergency Repairs
The Single Family Home Repair Program provides help to low-income homeowners who need to make emergency repairs on their property. To qualify for help, the homeowner's income cannot exceed 80 percent of the area's median income. The homeowner must also be age 62 or older or have a disability. Emergency repairs are considered situations beyond the control of the homeowner. Examples include damage by lightning, or wind damage to roof coverings. The request for repairs must be made within two weeks of the damage to the home.
Rehabilitation
The Rehabilitation Program provides up to $30,000 for homeowners who live in Houston to make home repairs. The homeowner's income cannot exceed 80 percent of the median income for the city of Houston. There is no minimum age or disability requirement to apply for assistance. Eligible rehabilitation work includes exterior painting, replacement of old roofing cover or foundation repair. The homeowner must have a clear title to the home and must have occupied the home for five years prior to applying for the Rehabilitation Program.
Reconstruction
The Reconstruction Program is for homes that have damage beyond rehabilitation. The home is demolished and a new home is built on the site. The applicant's income cannot exceed 80 percent of the area's median income and there are also no age or disability requirements for reconstruction. The homeowner must have occupied the home for at least 10 years to qualify for help. The homeowner must have a friend or relative who can provide temporary housing during the construction of the new home. The homeowner's title must also be free and clear of outstanding liens.
Hurricane Disaster Relief
Houston residents who were affected by Hurricane Ike in September 2008 may be eligible to apply for help with rehabilitation repairs. The average rehabilitation grant award is $15,000. Manufactured and modular homes are not eligible for rehabilitation assistance. Eligible repairs include repairing structural damage, roof replacement and debris removal. Interior items eligible for repair include heating and air conditioning units, water heaters, stoves and refrigerators. Some homeowners may be eligible to have a home reconstructed if permanent damage has affected the integrity of the property. Home replacement grants up to $85,00 are provided. Applicants are assisted on a first come, first served basis. The home must have been the owner's primary place of residence on September 13, 2008, to qualify for help.
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