Painting is one example of home maintenance.
The cost of maintaining a home can reach into high numbers and for low-income families home repair or maintenance may simply not be possible. Community and government programs are available throughout the U.S. to assist with home repairs and safety modifications so that low-income families can afford to stay in their homes and hold onto the property value. Does this Spark an idea?
Maine Housing Authority
The Maine State Housing Authority offers the Home Repair Program to assist low-income homeowners. A variety of maintenance projects are part of the program including septic system repair, repair or replacement of doors and windows, health and safety issues such as lead paint removal and improvements to overall energy efficiency. To qualify, you must live in the home that is to be repaired. Only homes built after 1978 qualify; the program will also cover single- and double-wide manufactured homes. Depending on the type of assistance you need, the eligibility varies: For some repairs owners are eligible if their income is no higher than 50 percent of the median income of that region, other repairs allow for a maximum income of 80 percent of the median income.
Maine Housing-Maine State Housing Authority
353 Water St.
Augusta, ME 04330
207-624-5745
mainehousing.org
Federal Government Programs
Government programs that work with the Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation will provide loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to very low-income residents. Home owners may use these loans to remove health and safety hazards, modernize the home, or make repairs or improvements. Loan terms will go up to 20 years at 1 percent interest, and loan amounts go as high as $20,000. To be eligible for these loans, income must be no higher than 50 percent of the median income for that region and the owner must have been unable to get approved for affordable credit anywhere else. A decision by the Rural Development office will be completed in 30 to 60 days.
Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation
1400 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20250-0107
202-720-4581
rurdev.usda.gov
Oregon -- Health and Human Services
Eligible low-income residents living in Washington County in the state of Oregon may qualify for low-interest loans or free repairs run through nonprofit programs. The Housing Rehabilitation Program has low interest and deferred interest loans and grants to make home repairs and improvements for such areas as plumbing, roofing, electrical and heating. Renters may also qualify, but repairs are limited to accessibility improvements only. Additionally the Washington County Disability, Aging & Veteran Services will help low-income residents who are 60 years or older with no-cost minor modifications and home repairs. Rebuilding Together will also assist low-income residents with free home repairs that focus on heating, safety and independence. The disabled, elderly and families with children will receive priority for this program.
Washington County, Oregon -- Health and Human Services
328 W. Main, Ste. 100
Hillsboro, OR 97123
503-846-8897
co.washington.or.us
Tags: home repairs, low-income residents, Housing Authority, median income, percent median, percent median income, Washington County
