The government gives money to qualified homeowners who cannot afford necessary home repairs.
If your home is in need of renovations but you cannot afford the cost, consider applying for a grant to help cover the expenses. Grants are awarded every year to those expressing financial need. Home-improvement grants are available through many programs and organizations in the U.S. Grant opportunities are typically offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Instructions
1. Obtain a repair estimate. Before you begin searching and applying for a home-repair grant, you will need to know exactly how much your home repairs are going to cost. You may need to apply for multiple grants, depending on the extent of your home's rehabilitation needs. Contact a remodeling or construction company in your area to have the repairs or damage assessed. Many companies provide free estimates to potential customers. Be sure to obtain the estimate in writing from the company. Make several copies of the estimate. You will need this when you apply for grants.
2. Research grants for homeowners. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, offers rural home improvement grants to those who qualify. Visit HUD.gov for a list of links to federal and state programs. Most applicants must be moderate to low-income to qualify. HUD sponsors the Community Block Development Grant Program. The program's goal is to provide suitable housing and living conditions in communities. The United States Department of Agriculture-Rural Development offers qualified homeowners repair and rehabilitation grants. There are also community-based grants that help first-time home buyers who need to repair a home for it to pass inspection.
3. Contact the local municipality. Your city may offer an emergency-repair grant to fix urgent problems that may be dangerous or hazardous. These grants are typically offered to low-income families.
4. Apply for grants. In order to receive a grant through HUD, you must register with Grants.gov. You will need to provide all personal and financial information for your household. Write down the the Data Universal Number System number provided. You must also register with Central Contractor Registration, the primary database for federal grants. View the grant opportunities listed on Grants.gov too. If you wish to apply for a grant offered on the site, you will need to fill out a master application. Once you find a grant and meet the eligibility criteria, a simple click will automatically submit your application.
5. Submit financial records and your estimate. Once you are contacted for a home-repair grant, all the information you provided will need to be validated. Provide copies of your financial records and home-repair estimate, along with any other documents requested by the agency.
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