A grant for home repair is far better than a loan. Grants do not require repayment, whereas loans must be repaid to the lender. Modern usage sometimes confuses the two words, but they certainly aren't interchangeable. Does this Spark an idea?
State grant
There are many grant programs funded at the federal level, usually through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, in which money flows to states and communities. The best source to learn about the programs is at the local level. Check with the building inspector or similar community-specific housing or local government agency. Two areas of caution:
(1) Get your local facts because grants vary community by community.
(2) Be prepared to provide a lot of information and expect a number of site visits and compliance checks.
Disaster grant
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has a grant program named the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) related to disaster assistance. The property has to be in a disaster area declared by the president and the amount paid is only the amount beyond insurance reimbursement up to the cost to cover the repairs. The property must be your usual residence and, because of the disaster damage, you cannot live in the property until the repairs are completed.
Rural grant
Federal loans for repairs are available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for low-income rural residents. For people over 62, the exact same benefit is available as an outright grant. The name of the program is Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation and the qualifications are quite narrow.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has funds intended for grants to repair septic systems and private wells. Homeowners in declared areas may be eligible for grant funding to pump septic tanks, perform required repairs or replace the system as needed. Damaged private wells that are the sole source of water for the home also may be repaired or decontaminated. Grants are intended to repair to working condition, not necessarily restore to original condition. The grant goes directly to the owner rather than an agency or contractor.
Subject to change
The most important thing to bear in mind is almost all grant money flows from the federal coffers. There are several ways funds can quickly be directed to where the need is great and the urgency is even greater. Congress can quickly pass legislation, the president can declare disaster and the president can order funding and action by executive order. The reality is grant funds for routine home repairs are virtually non-existent, yet that can change.
Tags: Agency FEMA, Department Homeland, Department Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Emergency Management Agency