Roofing repairs, such as putting new shingles on an aging roof, usually involve considerable expense. Some homeowners, such as the elderly or low-income individuals, may have considerable difficulty funding needed improvements. To help maintain a safe and stable housing stock, as well as help those in need, many branches of government provide financial assistance for repairing damaged roofs. Does this Spark an idea?
Federal Government
The Federal government has programs that provide assistance to citizens who need roofing repairs. The Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, has established the Title 1 Property Improvement Loan Program, which insures banks against any losses when they make home improvement loans to eligible individuals. The loans must go to improvements that address the livability of the house. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a program that coordinates the distribution of tarps to cover damaged roofs after a disaster, such as a hurricane.
Cities
Some cities provide financial help to residents with bad roofs. Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for example, maintains a program that gives assistance to individuals dealing with roofing problems such as curled shingles, leaks or sheathing damage. The resident must be current in his property tax payments and mortgage payments. The home cannot receive another roofing repair under the program for 20 years. Baltimore, Maryland has a program the gives loans to home dwellers over the age of 62 who need financial assistance to improve their roofs.
County
Counties in the U.S. often provide programs offering help for senior citizens or low income individuals. Nassau County, New York assists older residents with roofing problems who meet certain guidelines. The assistance might take the form of either a loan or a grant. Orange County, California also offers aid to low income residents who own their homes and make 80 percent of the county's median income or less. The aid applies to roofs with shingles or wood shakes, not roofing materials such as stone or tile.
State
Another potential source of financial aid for roof repairs comes from programs administered by the states. Minnesota provides home improvement loans through its Fix-up Fund to qualified residents who need important repairs, such as a new roof. The owner must occupy the property and hire a contractor to do the work. Tennessee helps senior homeowners 60 years of age or over with roofing needs through its Emergency Repair Program. The program maintains a list of approved contractors from which the homeowner must select the builder he wants for the job.
Tags: with roofing, damaged roofs, financial assistance, home improvement, home improvement loans, improvement loans
