The federal government often gives home improvement grants to low-income families who are in need of immediate home repairs. The biggest challenge to receiving one of these grants is whether you are able to qualify. Many grant recipients are the victims of natural disasters or some other unforeseen tragedy. However, there are ways to qualify even if you're not the victim of such a disaster, and there are agencies designed to help people apply for these grants.
Instructions
1. Get an estimate of how much repairs will cost. You need an accurate estimate to apply for the appropriate size grant. Many contractors will perform this service free of charge, and all licensed contractors can be found in your local yellow pages.
2. Contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency if you're seeking a grant because of a natural disaster. FEMA helps people pay for damages and may assist people who are trying to replace household items lost during a disaster. The agency usually arrives at the scene of a disaster even before it is called upon. However, they do have a website where individuals can contact them and apply for possible government aid.
3. Get in touch with your local government. Many communities provide emergency repair grants that are similar to home improvement grants. This may be a more time-efficient way to receive funds for people who are unable to sit through a long application process. Your local city hall should have all the information you need if these services are available in your area.
4. Go to Grants.gov for a full list of available government grants. If you're not applying for a grant because of an official natural disaster and your local government doesn't offer emergency funds, this may be helpful. The website also provides details about each grant and the deadlines for application. If you choose to apply for any them, make sure you apply well before the deadline to ensure your request will be processed in time.
5. Contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a final resort. HUD is a government resource that sometimes assists low-income families who are applying for government grants. The grant application process can be grueling. However, HUD has locations in most states and boasts a user-friendly website, where people can gain more information on apply for government grants.
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