State grants can offset the costs of home repair.
When the economy is in decline, many American families must tighten their budgets. Home repairs, no matter how necessary, can be unaffordable expenses. According to Investopedia's Financial Edge website, some of the most costly home repairs can include foundation problems, mold growth, water damage and sewer line problems. Fortunately, many state government agencies offer grants to help with home repair. Most state grants have eligibility stipulations, such as age, income levels and disability, as well as guidelines as to what kinds of repairs can be covered by grant funding. Does this Spark an idea?
Washington State Rural Development Office
The USDA Rural Development Washington State office provides grants for home repair through the Housing and Community Facilities Section 504 program. Eligible repairs include health and safety hazards including electrical, sewage disposal, water damage, roof repair or replacement, structural repairs and disability accommodations; weatherization-related repairs, such as window replacement and insulation improvements; and utility hookup or installation. Eligible grant applicants include homeowners over the age of 62 with an income of less than 50 percent of the area median income.
USDA Rural Development Washington State Office
1835 Black Lake Blvd. SW
Ste. B
Olympia, WA 98512
360-704-7740
rurdev.usda.gov/wa
Illinois Housing Development Authority
The State of Illinois Housing Development Authority offers home repair grants through the Home Modification Program. The program's goal is to repair and renovate existing housing for the elderly and disabled and decrease the need for unnecessary institutionalization. Qualified applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve low-income senior citizens over age 60, persons with disabilities and homeowners who rent to these populations. Grants range from $50,000 to $300,000. Grant applications are accepted annually; deadlines vary by funding cycle.
State of Illinois Housing Development Authority
N. Michigan Ave.
Ste. 700
Chicago, IL 60611
312-836-5200
ihda.org
Tennessee Housing Development Authority
The State of Tennessee Housing Development Authority offers Emergency Repair Program grants. The program provides grants for "low income, elderly homeowners who are 60 years or older to correct, repair, or replace an essential system and/or a critical structural problem" and "to stabilize the elderly homeowner's residence by making rapid, essential repairs to make the home livable," according to grant guidelines. Eligible applicants must own and live in the residence and make less than 60 percent of the area median income. Grants award up to $10,000 and a 50 percent match from other funding resources is required. Repairs must be done by a licensed contractor, and can include roofs; electrical, plumbing and septic systems; air and heating systems; and floor and wall structural work.
Tennessee Housing Development Authority
404 James Robertson Pkwy.
Ste. 1200
Nashville TN 37243
615-815-2030
thda.org
Tags: Development Authority, Housing Development, Housing Development Authority, home repair, Illinois Housing, Illinois Housing Development, Rural Development
