There are federal programs that serve poor, elderly homeowners in rural areas.
There are many local and state grants for home repairs, and most of them are funded by federal programs that serve low-income families. Town and cities can apply for program money on an annual or bi-annual basis. The initiatives vary by type of home, type of community and age of the homeowner or resident. Income eligibility guidelines vary by community. Does this Spark an idea?
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Homeowners ages 62 and over are eligible for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Home Repair grant program if they qualify as very low-income seniors. Those with higher incomes who don't qualify for grants may still be eligible for low-interest loans. This program is aimed at people who have worked much of their lives to pay a mortgage and then ran out of money to make necessary repairs. Funded repairs include roof replacements, improvements to heating, plumbing and electrical services, and alterations to make the home wheelchair-accessible. The grants are awarded to municipalities, which in turn identify the eligible homeowners.
HUD Block Grants
Substandard housing exists in both urban and rural communities, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For communities with fewer than 50,000 people, there is the Small Cities Program. For larger communities, there is the Entitlement Communities Block Grant Program. Grants can fund new construction or improvements on existing homes and rental units. Renovations must be performed in accordance with HUD standards, which may exceed those of the local code enforcement office.
HUD Neighborhood Stabilization
As with the block grants, HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Program can be used for new construction or rehabilitation to existing dwellings. But the Neighborhood Stabilization grants must be spent in areas where there are several abandoned properties and foreclosed-upon homes. At least twenty-five percent of the grant must be spent on housing improvements that benefit low-income residents. Towns, cities, counties and villages that apply for the federal funding must document community input in the application.
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