I have a friend who is living on a fixed income. Her husband had a master stroke a few years back. They need some help getting their house fixed up as they have a leaking roof they also need help with food. If anyone knows of some programs they can apply for please let me know. They really need a lot of help.

I am in serious need of some financial help. I am disabled, have gotten behind on my bills. The house that I have lived in since 1992 is in need of severe repairs. The kitchen floor on one side is falling through. Electrical outlets and wiring are falling out of the wall. No water in kitchen and bathroom is not in good shape. Baseboard heat is long across the walls. They are dangerous and very expensive to use=no heat. and the floor sinking in has holes, which let cold air in. I don't have any extra money at all. I get $110 in ssi and 584 in Soc.Sec. My only car blew up last dec on Christmas day and I live in the country far from town. I have isolated myself and sllep a lot from depression an worry. Take anxiety attacks. I have to miss some dr appointments and don't get to go anywhere, like back to church to be with good people. I used to sing in church and it really helps to hear and tell testimonies, My was in forclosure,and I had to send them everything(money) I had for 3 months. Now I have to send 304 a month right on time, or I'll lose it. According to them I still owe for 33 more years and to me, I will probably not live that long. I wanted my handicapped son to have a place, when I'm gone. Thank you and please help God Bless

I been trying to get help with getting my loan lower and the interest rate lowermy interest rate is 9.938 and every time i send the modification papers to the mortgage they keep saying they did'nt get them ,i have been force into and into and escrow $1,397.08mo. i'm on soical security disability the ck. is $1519.amo. the i really want to keep cause i got the house for my three childern i adopted. i have been asking for help every where they want 2000. to 3500 so what else can i do

To the attention of:

Barack Obama, US President;
US Senators from Texas: John Cornyn, Kay Bailey Hutchison;
US Representatives from Texas: Al Green, Blake Farenthold, Charles A. Gonzalez, Chet Edwards, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Francisco R. Canseco, Gene Green, Henry Cuellar, Jeb Hensarling, Joe Barton, John Abney Culberson, John R. Carter, K. Michael Conaway, Kay Granger, Kenny Marchant, Kevin Brady, Lamar Smith, Lloyd Doggett, Louie Gohmert, Mac Thornberry, Michael C. Burgess, Michael T. McCaul, Pete Olson, Pete Sessions, Ralph M. Hall, Randy Neugebauer, Ron Paul, Ruben Hinojosa, Sam Johnson, Sheila Jackson Lee, Silvestre Reyes, Ted Poe;
------------------------------------

To Whom it may concern,or should I say Those Who have Hearts and compassion,PLUS THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.???             Iam a 47yr old mother,who spent most her life in one abusive relationship after another, now I feel since I got off SSI cauise my health went in remission and I went back to work, NOW I AM DISABLED AGAIN so now I am being abuse by the system,my house is falling apart my daughter with lukemia lives with me and is expecing her first baby,My roof leaks,NHO AC/No Heating now the BLACKMOLD IS TAKING OVER, I only get $674.00-37.00 supposed over pay i never got they even kept my 2yrs back pay, my morgage is $600.00 amonth oh I do get $186.00 in food stamps,but I don't have a stove to cook with,my fridge doesn't work go ask for assistance with no results WHAT CAN I DO ???

==================

Post Open Letter to your Elected Representatives

I'm a disabled 58 year old woman in Michigan. I lost my home to foreclosure, as well as being forced to file Bankruptsy after my husband left me a few years ago. I worked hard in a wide variety of human service positions for many years prior to beciming disabled.
I still had one teen child in highschool when my husband left. After that child graduated last year, found a job and an apartment I find that now I have to find a place for myself again in this world.

I have an opportunity to buy a small summer cabin, on a very small lot from an dear friend. However; I make less than $700.00 per month on disability, and I need help with home repairs. The major emergency is getting in a proper septic tank and drainfield! Other things I need to do is weatherizing the cabin for year around living. I need to upgrade the electric wiring and fuse box, and redo the plumbing as well as some other minor structural: Wood working/handyman... windows, doors a couple of interior and exterior wall/door issues...and some bathroom repairs.

I need a small washerdryer/stacked unit for doing laundry at home. I also need wood for the winter, since there is only a wood stove in the cabin for heat.

I can afford the small house payments, taxes and utilities if I am very, very careful and thrifty with the use of utilities and other living needs.

I need help with any/all of the repairs... and the items/materials to do the repairs noted above. If anyone has a small elec. stove in good condition that works well, I need one of those as well. (The small apartment size.)

I also need a garden shed for storage of the things I can't put in the cabin. (It's very, very small.) It wouldn't take very much of any one thing to do what needs to be done to make it a year around home for me. (Insulation, wiring, plumbing supplies, fencing for the yard for my dog, windows etc...)

I have an old truck. A 1978 F-150 straight 6. It needs 4 good 15" tires so I can search for downed wood for heat, move my things and bring building supplies to the cabin. It could use a good going over, the motor, transmission, etc... It's a junker, but I need a truck to surive in the area I'll be in. (I'll be happy if I can just get a good set of tires!)

I am used to working and making it on my own. I have worked helping others for so long, that I feel ashamed to be asking for help from stranger myself now. I have been so afraid, worried and not sure how to rebuild my life for so long now that I feel totally overwhelmed, and terrified of how to do this, and do it right.

I have always paid my own way, stood on my own two feet and managed to make it through the worst of times. But this time, I have no choice but to put the shame of my circumstances in public view and ask if there is anyone out there... or a few out there who can help with some of the things I so desperately need help with.

I have been blessed by having my basic needs met through the kindness of friends, and even strangers when things seemed impossible for me to accomplish on my own. I believe it has been through the power of prayer and faith that these kind souls have been sent to my rescue.

Now my child is grown.. We have been fortunate to have had rooms to rent in the homes of others while we needed them. But that can't go on forever.

I'm getting older. I don't need much in life. Just this tiny little home, with enough space around the cabin for me to have a few flowers, and to sit under the night sky and know that I again have a place in this world where I'm not in someone else's space.. but in my own little home.

A place where I can grow old, and end my life not being a burden on anyone else.

My story is a long and complicated one. But If I can make this little cabin a home, I feel I can rest now and regain the peace of mind that was once mine.

I'm tired... I'm weary.... and I'm afraid....terrified in fact. I can't afford pride today... I am asking for help, I can't do this on my own. Any help that anyone can give... and this is my vow in return. I will help anyone I can, show any kindness that is needed, and offer any service to another person in need that I have to offer.

Thank you for your time, for reading this.. and for your positive thoughts, prayers and any help you might be able to provide.

The programs and resources listed below help homeowners with home repairs and improvements.

	HOME program contacts - some communities use HOME funds from HUD for home improvement assistance to homeowners
	Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program contacts - some communities use CDGB funds from HUD for home improvement assistance to homeowners
	HUD-approved housing counseling agencies
	Other housing counseling resources
	Predatory lending
	Alabama Attorney General's Office
	Office of Consumer Affairs

 

The programs and resources listed below help homeowners with home repairs and improvements.

	Community housing development organizations - many organizations throughout Kansas offer various home repair assistance programs
	Johnson County home repair programs - provides assistance for home rehabilitation for eligible residents of Johnson County
	Kansas Affiliates of Habitat for Humanity - through volunteer labor, builds and rehabilitates houses for families in need
	Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center - loans and grants to qualifying veterans to adapt an existing dwelling to meet specific needs
	USDA Rural Development Office - home improvement loans and grants to low-income homeowners in rural areas
	Community contacts - find out if your community offers home repair assistance
	Make your home more energy efficient

Programs by City/Town

	Atchison
	Bonner Springs - tax rebate program for home rehabilitation and construction
	Hutchinson   Interfaith Housing Services, Inc.
	Kansas City   Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas - Housing Enhancement Loan Program
	Lawrence - offers several home repair assistance programs
	Leavenworth - deferred loans for qualifying owners
	Olathe - offers several home repair assistance programs
	Overland Park - provides low-interest loans to homeowners
	Salina - financial assistance for basic repairs
	Topeka - neighborhood revitalization program with property tax rebates
	Wichita - Heart of Wichita program

Other Local Resources

	Housing counseling agencies - member organizations provide housing and income management counseling
	Find your local Better Business Bureau - check out contractors before starting home repairs
	Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division - if you have a complaint against a contractor

The programs and resources listed below help homeowners with home repairs and improvements.

	Ohio Affiliates of Habitat for Humanity - through volunteer labor, builds and rehabilitates houses for families in need
	Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center - loans and grants to qualifying veterans to adapt existing dwelling to meet specific needs
	USDA Rural Development Office - home improvement loans and grants to low-income homeowners in rural areas

Cincinnati

	People Working Cooperatively
	Hamilton County Home Improvement Program

Dayton

	Citywide Development Corporation
	County Corps

Many cities in Ohio use HUD funds to provide grants and loans that help low and moderate income homeowners maintain their homes.

Local Community Development Corporations (CDC's) also provide rehabilitation assistance. The Ohio CDC Association has a listing of members throughout Ohio

HUD provides money to the State of Ohio, which passes them on to smaller communities that may it for housing rehabilitation. Check with the Ohio Department of Development, Office of Housing and Community Partnerships to find out if these resources are available in your community.

Funds to weatherize the homes of low- and moderate-income persons are made available through State of Ohio Office of Energy Efficiency. Check the list to see where to go for your area

Other Local Resources

Find your local Better Business Bureau - check out Ohio contractors before starting home repairs

CLICK HERE

Home Repairs: Kansas
    -    
More From HUD     -
-       Home improvement programs
-       Reverse mortgages

The programs and resources listed below help homeowners with home repairs and improvements.
-       Community housing development organizations - many organizations throughout Kansas offer various home repair assistance programs
-       Johnson County home repair programs - provides assistance for home rehabilitation for eligible residents of Johnson County
-       Kansas Affiliates of Habitat for Humanity - through volunteer labor, builds and rehabilitates houses for families in need
-       Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center - loans and grants to qualifying veterans to adapt an existing dwelling to meet specific needs
-       USDA Rural Development Office - home improvement loans and grants to low-income homeowners in rural areas
-       Community contacts - find out if your community offers home repair assistance
-       Make your home more energy efficient

Programs by City/Town
-       Atchison
-       Bonner Springs - tax rebate program for home rehabilitation and construction
-       Hutchinson
-       Interfaith Housing Services, Inc.
-       Kansas City
-       Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas - Housing Enhancement Loan Program
-       Lawrence - offers several home repair assistance programs
-       Leavenworth - deferred loans for qualifying owners
-       Olathe - offers several home repair assistance programs
-       Overland Park - provides low-interest loans to homeowners
-       Salina - financial assistance for basic repairs
-       Topeka - neighborhood revitalization program with property tax rebates
-       Wichita - Heart of Wichita program

Other Local Resources
-       Housing counseling agencies - member organizations provide housing and income management counseling
-       Find your local Better Business Bureau - check out contractors before starting home repairs
-       Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division - if you have a complaint against a contractor
   
 
Content current as of 1 October 2010

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

The NYS Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that assists low-income New Yorkers in meeting their home energy needs. The HEAP program is comprised of Regular Benefit, Emergency Benefit, Furnace Repair/Replacement, and Weatherization components.

More information on the HEAP program may be found on the OTDA website at www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap or by contacting the Madison County Department of Social Services HEAP unit at (315) 366-2211.

HEAP Program Components

HEAP Regular Benefit - 2010-11 HEAP season will open November 1, 2010.

HEAP Emergency Benefit - 2010-11 HEAP season will open November 1, 2010.

HEAP Furnace Repair and Replacement - open effective October 1, 2010.

HEAP Cooling Component - closed as of August 13, 2010. Not currently available.

How to Apply

HEAP Regular Benefit

Dates: The Regular Benefit Component of the 2010-1011 HEAP season will open on November 1, 2010. HEAP APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE MADE AVAILABLE UNTIL NOVEMBER 1, 2010.

Please Note:

OTDA will NOT be conducting the early 2010-11 HEAP application mail-out originally scheduled for October 1, 2010, to households who received a HEAP benefit in 2009-10, but do not include a vulnerable member (i.e., an individual age 60 or older, under age 6, in receipt of Code A SSI, or disabled and in receipt of SSD.) Early mail-outs are being limited to those households with one or more vulnerable individuals.   Households who received a HEAP benefit in 2009-10 and who reside in the same county as they did in 2009-10 continue to have mail-in privileges. Such households may contact Madison County Department of Social Services at 366-2211 to obtain an application or may download a 2010-11 HEAP application from OTDA's website on or after November 1, 2010, in order to apply for the 2010-11 HEAP benefit.

Description:

Regular HEAP benefits are based on income, the primary fuel source and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older or permanently disabled. A household may receive one Regular HEAP Benefit per program year, paid directly to the vendor that supplies their main source of heat.
You may be eligible for a Regular Benefit if:

• You are a United States citizen or qualified alien AND
• Your income is at or below the current income guides for your household size as posted in the table below OR
• You receive Food Stamps OR
• You receive Temporary Assistance OR
• You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI living alone)

Benefit Amounts:

Benefit Amount	Living Situation
$1	Eligible households that live in government subsidized housing or a group home setting with heat included in their rent.
$40 or $50	Eligible households responsible for their shelter costs, but do not pay their vendor directly for heat based on actual usage.
$600 + applicable add-ons	Eligible households that pay their vendor directly for heat based on their actual usage with their main source of heat being oil, kerosene, wood, coal, pellets, corn, propane or other non-utility fuel.
$400 + applicable add-ons	Eligible households that pay their vendor directly for heat based on their actual usage with their main source of heat being natural gas or electric heat provided by a PSC-regulated utility company.
$400 + applicable add-ons	Eligible households that pay their vendor directly for heat based on their actual usage with their main source of heat being electric heat provided by a municipal electric company.

Regular HEAP Benefit Add-ons:

Benefit Amount	Living Situation
+ $50	If the household's gross income is in the Tier 1 income range (i.e., at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level).
+ $50	If the household contains a vulnerable individual (i.e., household member who is age 60 or older, under age 6 or permanently disabled).

Income Guidelines:

Effective 10-01-10 to 09-30-11. Your total gross monthly income for your household size must be at or below the following:

Household Size	Income Limit
1	$2,129
2	$2,784
3	$3,439
4	$4,094
5	$4,749
6	$5,404
7	$5,527
8	$5,650
9	$5,773
10	$5,896
11	$6,029
Each additional person	Add $468

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HEAP Emergency Benefit

Dates: The Emergency Benefit Component of the 2010-2011 HEAP season will open on November 1, 2010. HEAP APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE MADE AVAILABLE UNTIL NOVEMBER 1, 2010.

Description:

The HEAP Emergency Benefit component assists low-income New Yorkers who are facing a heat or heat-related energy emergency and do not have resources available to resolve the emergency.

Emergency HEAP benefits are based on income, available resources, the number of household members and the primary fuel type. A household may be eligible to receive one emergency heating benefit for their main source of heat and one emergency heat-related benefit for their electric if their electric is necessary to run their thermostat.

You may be eligible for an Emergency Benefit if:

• Your electricity is necessary for your heating system to work and is either shut off or scheduled to be shut off or
• Your natural gas heat is off or scheduled to be shut off or
• If you are out of or in danger of running out of fuel (oil, propane, wood, or coal) or
• If your essential applicant-owned heating equipment is inoperable

And

• Your income is at or below the current income guidelines as posted in the table below or you receive Family Assistance, Safety Net Assistance, Food Stamps or Code A Supplemental Security Income.
• The heating and/or electric bill is in your name and
• Your available resources are:
• Less than $2,000 if no member of your household is age 60 or older; or
• Less than $3,000 if any member of your household is age 60 or older.
• Up to $3,000 in available resources are exempt for furnace replacements

Benefit Amounts:

Category	Benefit Amount
PSC heat-related domestic (electric service required to operate heating equipment)	$160
Natural gas — heat only	$400
Natural gas heat and electric to operate heating equipment	$560
Electric heat	$560
Non-utility heating fuel (oil, kerosene, propane, wood)	$600

Income Guidelines:

Effective 10-01-10 to 09-30-11

Household Size	Income Limit
1	$2,129
2	$2,784
3	$3,439
4	$4,094
5	$4,749
6	$5,404
7	$5,527
8	$5,650
9	$5,773
10	$5,896
11	$6,029
Each additional person	Add $468

To be eligible for HEAP emergency benefits, the household's gross monthly income must not exceed the above amounts.  In addition, the household must be in an energy situation, which is defined as having less than a quarter tank of fuel, less than a 10-day supply of wood, coal, pellets or having heat-related utility service terminated or scheduled for termination. 

Please contact us at 315-366-2211 to apply or inquire.

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HEAP Furnace Repair and Replacement

Dates: The Furnace Repair and Replacement component of the 2010-2011 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is open effective October 1, 2010, until close of business on September 30, 2011.

Description:

The Furnace Repair and Replacement Component of the Home Energy Assistance Program is available to help low-income home owners repair or replace furnaces, boilers and other direct heating components necessary to keep the home's primary heating source functional.

Benefit Amounts:

Furnace benefits amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to replace or repair the applicant’s furnace, boiler, and/or other essential heating equipment necessary to keep the home's primary heating source operational.

To receive a benefit, an application must be made in person at the local department of social services and the applicant must receive a determination from the local department of social services that the applicant has met all established eligibility criteria, including established income and resource requirements. Benefits are paid directly to vendors after completion of all work for previously approved applications only

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HEAP Cooling Component

Closed as of August 13. 2010. Not available at this time.

>Back to top

How to Apply

You may apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (when HEAP is open) by mail, in person at your local social services office, over the phone, or over the Internet.

>Back to top

More Information

More information on the HEAP program may be found on the OTDA website.

Also see:

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

Red Cross - Project Share

Madison County Office for the Aging

EmPower Program

Click Here For Website

The King County Housing Authority Housing Repair and Weatherization Department arranges low-cost home repair and weatherization services for qualifying households in King County, outside the city limits of Seattle. Each year we make sure hundreds of households – primarily seniors, people with disabilities and families with young children – have safe and energy-efficient homes. Working with the household, we identify what work needs to be done, obtain bids from contractors, approve contracts and monitor contractor performance. Participating contractors are licensed and bonded.

In support of the Housing Authority’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Housing Repair and Weatherization staff takes a holistic approach to the work we do. We strive to use sustainable construction methods and materials that help create healthy and comfortable homes. Department staff uses state-of-the-art technology and methods to assess the weatherization and indoor air quality needs of homes. We often provide technical advice to other KCHA departments and other providers of home improvement services.

Weatherization

Insulation is installed in the crawl space under a house.

The Weatherization program, which is free to qualified low-income homeowners and renters, provides energy efficiency and indoor air quality improvements for single-family, multifamily and mobile homes. Typical weatherization improvements may include furnace repairs, installation of mechanical ventilation, installation of insulation and air sealing against drafts. An essential feature of the program is assurance of good air quality.

Weatherization services are also available for owners or managers of multifamily apartment buildings. Most weatherization improvements are grant-funded, requiring no building owner contributions.

The Housing Authority contracts with the Washington State Office of Community Development to provide federal, state and utility financing for weatherization and health and safety improvements that reduce energy bills and improve air quality. KCHA oversees weatherization improvements to more than 400 owner-occupied and rental properties each year.

Weatherization Program Information

Housing Repair

The Housing Repair program allows low-income homeowners to make health and safety repairs and other improvements to their homes. Typical repairs include: roof replacement; septic system repair; repair or replacement of rotted flooring or stairs; plumbing repairs; electrical repairs; deteriorated structure repair; or accessibility modifications, such as construction of wheelchair ramps. Homes constructed before 1978 are assessed for lead-based paint hazards, which must be removed during repairs.

The program offers three different types of assistance depending on household income: interest-free deferred payment loans, emergency grants and grants for mobile home repair. Funding is provided by King County Housing and Community Development and the City of Bellevue.

Housing Repair Program Information

Contracting Opportunities

Private, licensed contractors perform all of the construction work done for the Housing Repair and Weatherization programs. We utilize general and specialty contractors, depending on the type of work to be done. About $2 million is spent annually on Housing Repair and Weatherization projects, so a participating contractor can expect a reasonable amount of work throughout the year.

Contractors can apply to participate in our programs by submitting information that certifies their qualification for performing home repairs and/or weatherization services. Documentation includes evidence of Washington State Contractor’s License, W-9 form, certificates of insurance and related endorsements and certifications of Safe Work Practices (if applicable). In addition, contractors are asked to sign KCHA’s General Conditions.

Housing Repair and Weatherization Contracting Opportunities

Accomplishments

Contractors perform roof repair on a mobile home.

Special-Needs Housing Improvements: The Housing Repair and Weatherization Department has partnered with local nonprofit organizations that operate special-needs housing for low-income households to make energy efficiency and structural improvements to that housing. Combining weatherization funding with other sources of housing rehabilitation money, the Department has provided energy and structural improvements for housing managed by Parkview Services, State Operated Living Alternatives, Mercy Housing Services, Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, Inland Empire Residential Resources, The Dove House, Downtown Action to Save Housing (DASH), the Muckleshoot Housing Authority and the Manufactured Housing Community Preservationists.

White Center Initiative: In partnership with the City of Seattle and King County, the Housing Repair and Weatherization Department is bringing home improvement services to low-income households in the White Center area. Since the establishment in 2002 of the White Center Initiative – a community revitalization effort – more than $1.4 million worth of projects, improving more than 400 units of housing have gotten underway.

Housing for Health Committee: Participated with the Tenants Union, Habitat for Humanity, the Low Income Housing Institute and the King County departments of Community Development and Public Health in the Housing for Health Committee, a community-based organization committed to identifying resources for providing public education on health issues as they relate to low-income housing.

Water savings pilot program: In partnership with the King County Department of Natural Resources, the department installed 227 low-flow toilets resulting in a 30 percent reduction of water usage at an affordable housing complex owned and operated by a nonprofit.

 

Home Repair Options

 

ALL INCOME LEVELS State of Washington Department of Labor and Industries, http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Contractors/default.asp 1-800-647-0982 Provides information on contractors, plumbers, and electricians who are licensed and bonded in Washington State.   Sumner Senior Connection 253-863-5861 Provides lists of self employed workers such as plumbers, carpenters, people who will haul, etc. Workers charge for their service.   Master Builder's Association of Pierce County (253) 272-2112 Refers people to members of Master Builder's Association

Low Income Home Repair

 

Pierce County Community Action (253) 798-7038 For residents of Pierce County (outside the City of Tacoma and the City of Lakewood) Must be age 60+ or disabled. Repairs for low-income homeowners and renters with savings under $10,000. Repairs must relate to health and safety such as ramps, hot water heaters, furnaces, broken windows, locks, toilets. Program is free to recipient. USDA Community Development (253) 845-0553, press 4 For homeowners, age 60+ or disabled, in rural Pierce County only. Houses only, no mobile homes unless they are on property owned by the mobile home owner. Repairs must relate to health and safety such as ramps, roofs, hot water heaters, furnaces, broken windows, locks, toilets. Some grants are given, some loans are given. City of Lakewood The City of Lakewood housing repair programs provide 0% interest loans with payments deferred for up to 20 years to help qualifying homeowners make necessary repairs to maintain their homes. Programs include - Housing Rehabilitation (up to $75,000) - Major Home Repair (up to $12,000) - Emergency Minor Home Repair (up to $5,000) - Down Payment Assistance (up to $7,000) More at http://www.cityoflakewood.us/departments/general-services/housing-assistance.html Call for details and current eligibility - (253) 589-2489. City of Tacoma Four programs, all require that residents must be age 60+ or disabled Homeowners (no renters, no lifetime occupancy/lease) Have a moderately low income With savings of less than $10,000 All repairs must relate to health and safety, such as ramps, roofs, repairs to hot water heaters or furnaces, broken windows and locks, etc. Minor Home Repair, 253-591-7020, for repairs under $400 Major Home Repair, 253-591-5236, for repairs between $400 and $4,000. Neighborhood Preservation Project, 253-591-5230, for repairs greater than $4,000 Sewer Line Repairs, 253-502-2164, Rick Norberg (some help with financing the repair)

Other Home Repair Options

 

Volunteer Chore (253) 502-2741 Free service to very low-income seniors and disabled. Provides minimal home repair services, such as changing light bulbs or furnace filters, changing fuses in appliances, etc. Care Team Ministries (253) 272-8433 x 210, information only. This program trains church members to create ?Care Teams? that provide needed services to people in their local areas. Services can include things like providing firewood, cutting fallen trees, mowing lawns (temporarily while homeowner is injured or ill), cleaning gutters, building ramps, running to the store, providing babysitting services, etc.

Weatherization Programs

 

Tacoma Power (253) 502-8363 Free home energy check and zero interest weatherization. Electric heat only. Tacoma Power customers only. Metropolitan Development Council (253) 597-6738 For low-income City of Tacoma residents only. Will help people with any energy source, but more money is available for those on all electric heat. Pierce County Community Action (253) 798-7213. Must be low-income Pierce County resident outside the City of Tacoma. Will help people with any energy source, but more money is available for people with all electric heat. Will repair broken double pane windows, not replace them. Will pay up to 25% of cost of storm windows.

Complaints

Better Business Bureau (206) 431-2222 www.theBBB.org Washington State Attorney General (253) 593-2904 www.atg.wa.gov Pierce County Center for Dispute Resolution (253) 572-3657 www.pccdr.org Department of Labor and Industries 1-800-647-0982 www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Contractors/ContractorFraud/Report/

 

The programs and resources listed below help homeowners with home repairs and improvements.

	Nebraska Energy Office - provides low interest loans to fund energy efficient modifications for homeowners
	Assistive Technology Partnership - online application for assistance in locating home repair and modification programs
	Nebraska Community Action Agencies - some Community Action Agencies have low-interest loan or grant programs to assist homeowners with repairs or renovation to their homes   Blue Valley Community Action - Butler, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Polk, Saline, Seward, Thayer, and York counties   Central Nebraska Community Services - Blaine, Boone, Boyd, Brown, Colfax, Custer, Garfield, Greeley, Hall, Hamilton, Holt, Howard, Keya Paha, Loup, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Rock, Sherman, Valley, and Wheeler counties   Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska - serving a 27-county area of central Nebraska   Panhandle Community Services - Banner, Cheyenne, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, and Scotts Bluff counties
	Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District - serving the 16-county on Northeastern Nebraska
	Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment - Perkins, Chase, Hayes, Hitchcock, and Dundy counties
	Nebraska Affiliates of Habitat for Humanity - through volunteer labor, builds and rehabilitates houses for families in need
	Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center - loans and grants to qualifying veterans to adapt an existing dwelling to meet specific needs
	USDA Rural Development Office - home improvement loans and grants to low-income homeowners in rural areas
	Community contacts - find out if your community offers home repair assistance
	Make your home more energy efficient

Programs by City/Town

	Bellevue
	Grand Island
	Hastings   Housing Development Corporation 301 S. Burlington Ave. Hastings, NE 68902-1005 Phone: (402) 461-8407 Email Contact: Linda Addison, Executive Director
	Lincoln:   City of Lincoln   Neighborhoods, Inc.
	Norfolk
	Omaha

Other Local Resources

	Housing counseling agencies - member organizations provide housing and income management counseling
	Find your local Better Business Bureau - check out contractors before starting home repairs
	Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division - if you have a complaint against a contractor

Home Repairs for Low/Moderate Income Homeowners

The City of Kent offers a variety of home repair services to low and moderate income owners of single-family houses, mobile homes* and condo units within the city limits of Kent.

*Mobile homes must be 1976 or newer with HUD certification, not received prior services and the occupant must be senior and/or disabled.

Repairs which help maintain the health and safety of occupants, preserve the dwelling or conserve energy to reduce heating costs through weatherization are eligible.

Preference is given to households occupied by senior citizen, low-income and disabled residents. Kent's Home Repair program is funded entirely through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money.

 Minor Repairs are FREE! Minor repairs include plumbing, electrical, carpentry, disabled access, furnace service, storm doors, window repairs, roof repairs, smoke detectors and other smaller work items.

Major repairs include complete roof replacement, new heating systems, electrical system upgrades, and other big work items. 

Eligibility Requirements

1. Your house, mobile home (must be 1976 or newer) or condo unit must be located within the city limits of Kent.
2. You must have owned AND occupied your home for at least 1 year prior to application.
3. Your household's annual gross income must not exceed federal income guidelines (see table below).
4. In addition to income qualification, there is a maximum amount of personal assets that can be held and still be eligible for assistance.

Official HUD Income Guidelines for 2010 (effective March 14, 2010)

Household  Size	Maximum Annual Gross Income
1	$45,100
2	$51,550
3	$58,000
4	$64,400
5	$69,600
6	$74,750
7	$79,900
8	$85,050

For more information please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

How to Apply for Home Repair Assistance

Complete and return the Home Repair Application along with proof of ownership and income for anyone over the age of 18 residing in the household. Acceptable ownership documents include either a deed or tax bill for houses and condo's or, if living in a mobile home, a copy of the vehicle registration. For income verification include a copy(s) of the prior year or last filed income tax 1040 form. If you do not file for income taxes please complete the IRS 1040 form.

The Home Repair Assistance Application is in Portable Document Format (PDF). To print the application, you must have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your personal computer. If you do not have Acrobat Reader click on the Adobe icon to download the program.
Home Repair Assistance Application (25 KB PDF).

You may also obtain an application packet by calling 253-856-5065 or by e-mail. Please include your complete mailing address! 
Send requests to Human Services.

If you live outside of the Kent City Limits in unincorporated King County you may qualify to receive services from the King County Housing Repair Program. King County's Housing Repair.

Lifeline Program - Utility Rate Reductions

Senior citizens, low income or disabled residents may also qualify for the Lifeline Program. The City of Kent offers reduced rates to those in need.  Please call 253-856-5201 for more information.

Apply for the Home Repair Program Small Works Roster

The City of Kent encourages all Contractors to apply for the City of Kent Home Repair Program Small Works Roster. The City of Kent Home Repair Program contracts for home repair services to be provided to Kent home owners receiving Home Repair services.

Qualifications. The City of Kent seeks firms that meet the qualifications below. If you do not meet the qualifications but have substantial compliance or superior compliance in other particular areas, Kent Home Repair may still accept an application at the sole discretion of the City of Kent.

• Hold a State of Washington contractors license insurance at the time of application and throughout enlistment on the roster;
• Hold specified insurance at the time of application and throughout enlistment on the roster;
• Companies have been in business three consecutive years prior to application;
• Companies have a responsible claims history, strong safety record and strong financial history.

The City of Kent Home Repair Program uses this Roster to invite contractors to bid on projects under $10,000. The agency invites at least three contractors in rotating order to submit quotes. The lowest reasonable and responsible bidder is selected. Projects include: roofing, electrical, furnace repair and replacement, sewer work, and general contracting.

Accepted applications remain on the Roster without expiration, although Kent asks you to refresh information every two years. Kent retains the right to remove or suspend a company at any time, based on the City opinion of the company's performance and responsibility. 

Download the Small Works Roster Application (60 KB PDF).

Thank you for your interest. If you have questions, please contact Kent Home Repair, at 253-856-5065.

The programs and resources listed below help homeowners with home repairs and improvements.

	Neighborhood Preservation Act - state tax credit program for residential rehabilitation and construction costs of properties in distressed communities
	Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation - home repairs assistance for low-income homeowners in Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott and Stoddard counties
	Regional Planning Commissions - some of Missouri's Regional Planning Commissions administer State-funded homebuyer or home repair assistance programs
	Northland Housing Resources – North Kansas City information on housing-related programs and services such as first time homebuyer opportunities, home repair programs, senior housing, home maintenance education, and homebuyer financial education.
	Missouri Affiliates of Habitat for Humanity - through volunteer labor, builds and rehabilitates houses for families in need
	Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center - loans and grants to qualifying veterans to adapt an existing dwelling to meet specific needs
	USDA Rural Development Office - home improvement loans and grants to low-income homeowners in rural areas
	Community contacts - find out if your community offers home repair assistance
	Make your home more energy efficient

Programs by City/Town

	Columbia
	Ferguson
	Independence
	City of Joplin - citywide loan program for homeowners only, up to $30,000 - contact Brian Ross at (417) 624-0820 ext. 570
	Kansas City   City of Kansas City - offers several homebuyer assistance and home improvement programs   Community Services League
	Kirkwood
	Lee's Summit - up to $10,000 in grant funds available to pay for minor exterior repairs for qualifying individuals - contact Codes Administration at (816) 969-6824
	O'Fallon
	Springfield
	St. Charles
	St. Joseph
	St. Louis   Christmas in April
	St. Louis County
	St. Louis County older resident programs
	St. Peters

Other Local Resources

	Housing counseling agencies - member organizations provide housing and income management counseling
	Find your local Better Business Bureau - check out contractors before starting home repairs
	Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division - if you have a complaint against a contractor

Home Repair Assistance

 

 

Home Repair Office
Parks & Community Services
PO Box 90012
Bellevue, WA 98009
Phone: 425-452-6884
E-mail: aoreilly@bellevuewa.gov
Phone: TDD: 425-452-5262

The City of Bellevue Home Repair Program provides low- to moderate-income Bellevue homeowners with zero-interest home loans and grants for health- and safety-related repairs, including:

• Faulty plumbing
• Unsafe electrical wiring
• Poor heating
• Roof repairs
• Rotting gutters or porches/decks
• Earthquake retrofitting

Types of loans and grants available:

1. Deferred Payment Loans - Eligible repairs include health- and safety-related improvements for homeowners who meet low-income guidelines.  The City provides a no-interest loan that does not have to be paid back until the homeowner sells the home or it is transferred to a new owner.  Maximum loan amount is $20,000 for the first year, and up to $35,000 thereafter.
2. Leveraged Loans - Homeowners must meet moderate income eligibility guidelines. The same type of health- and safety-related repairs qualify as for the deferred payment loans. With leveraged loans, the City provides one-half of the cost of the repairs, and the homeowner provides the other half.  This loan is also paid back only when the home is sold or transferred. Maximum loan match with City funds is $17,500.
3. Emergency Grant - Eligible repairs are restricted to health and safety hazards requiring more immediate attention. Homeowners must meet low-income eligibility guidelines. Because this is a grant, not a loan, it does not have to be repaid. Maximum grant award is $1,500.
4. Weatherization Grant - this grant is offered in conjunction with Washington's Energy Match Program. Eligible repairs are restricted to insulation and heating systems. The homeowner is not required to repay the grant amount. Maximum grant award is $3,000.

In addition, the city also offers owners of single-family rental property no-interest, deferred payment loans to make health- and safety-related improvements. The city provides one-half of the cost of repairs, and the property owner provides the other half.  The maximum loan match with the city fund is $8,500.  The renter must qualify as low- or moderate-income for the landlord to qualify for this loan. The loan is paid back when the home is sold or transferred.

Bellevue Cares page - Foreclosure Assistance

Minor home repair assistance, including volunteer assistance with yardwork, is offered by Catholic Community Services Volunteer Chore Services (425-284-2240). Senior Services (206-448-5751) provides low-income homeowners with help fixing leaking faucets and installing smoke detectors or installing locks.

The programs and resources listed below help homeowners with home repairs and improvements.

	Connecticut Housing Investment Fund (CHIF) - home improvement and energy conservation loans
	Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) - finance the purchase or the refinance of a home in need of repair
	2-1-1 Infoline - home improvement program information and loan referrals
	Hartford Community Loan Fund - home improvement loans and handicap accessibility grants
	Connecticut Affiliates of Habitat for Humanity - through volunteer labor, builds houses for families in need
	Habitat for Humanity ReStores - discounted used and surplus building materials
	Rebuilding Together, Inc. - assists low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners with home repairs
	Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center - loans and grants to qualifying veterans to adapt an existing dwelling to meet specific needs
	USDA Rural Development Office - home improvement loans and grants to low-income homeowners in rural areas
	Department of Public Health - lead poisoning prevention program
	Make your home more energy efficient

Programs by City/Town

	Bridgeport
	Bristol
	Coventry
	Enfield
	Fairfield
	Granby
	Greenwich
	Groton
	Hamden
	Hartford
	Manchester
	Meriden
	Middletown
	Milford
	New Britain
	New Haven
	New London
	Newtown
	Putnam
	Stafford
	Stamford
	Stratford
	West Hartford
	Windsor

Other Local Resources

	Office of Consumer Protection - Home Improvement Guaranty Fund
	Attorney General's Office of Consumer Issues - file a complaint against a licensed contractor
	Find your local Better Business Bureau - check out Connecticut contractors before starting home repairs

We help low-income homeowners who need urgent repairs, accessibility modifications, comprehensive rehabilitation or energy-related home improvements by providing funds to local governments and nonprofit organizations which provide these services. We do not provide funding directly to individuals.

If you need help financing necessary home repairs, check the links at the end of each program description below for a local group servicing your area.

Single-Family Rehabilitation Program

If your home needs major repairs and your income is below 80% of the area median income, you may be able to get help from a local organization through our Single-Family Rehabilitation (SFR) Program. We make funds available to local government and nonprofit agencies to facilitate the comprehensive rehabilitation of single-family homes owned and occupied by low-income elderly or disabled people in their area.

If you qualify, you could receive funds in the form of an interest-free, deferred-forgiven loan, forgiven at $3,000 per year, to pay for the necessary rehabilitation of your home. The local organization providing the loan would contract and supervise the work for you.

See a list of organizations and agencies that have participated in the SFR Program.

Urgent Repair Program

If you need emergency repairs and you are elderly or have special needs and your income is below 50% of the area median income, you may be able to get help through the Urgent Repair Program (URP). Local government and nonprofit agencies use URP funds to correct housing conditions that threaten your life or safety, such as failing septic systems, dangerous heating systems, or rotten floors. The program can also pay for ramps and other accessibility modifications that enable you to continue living in your home after an injury or illness, such as a stroke.

As a homeowner, you may qualify for a grant through the URP program if you are elderly, handicapped or disabled, a single parent, have a household of five or more, or have children in your household with elevated blood lead levels.

See a list of organizations and agencies that have participated in the URP Program.

Displacement Prevention Partnership

If your home needs accessibility modifications to enable you to continue living in it after an injury or illness (stroke, spinal cord injury, etc.) or if you have a disability and are not served by an organization with Urgent Repair Program funding, you may be eligible for assistance under the Displacement Prevention Partnership program (DPP). The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency provides funding for this purpose through regional offices of the Independent Living program. Independent Living is a unit of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

The DPP also may help low-income homeowners with lead-poisoned children below the age of 6. Contact your local public health department if you think your child has been affected by lead-based paint. Eligible cases are automatically referred by health officials to the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which then contacts the N.C. Housing Finance Agency to assist in removing the lead hazard.

Duke Home Energy Loan Pool

Duke Energy customers in certain areas may receive assistance from near-by housing rehabilitation service providers under the Duke Home Energy Loan Pool (HELP).  These local and regional organizations, known as “Members” of the Loan Pool, will use HELP funds, along with funds from other rehabilitation programs such as CDBG, HOME and SFR, to comprehensively rehabilitate each qualifying home and make it much more energy-efficient.

HELP assistance is offered in the form of a loan secured by a lien on your home. HELP loans are interest-free and forgiven at $1,000 per year.  This means that the balance due shall be automatically reduced by one thousand ($1,000.00) on each anniversary date of the Note such that on the Maturity Date the outstanding principal balance due will be zero ($0.00).

The HELP loan will be paired with another deferred and/or forgiven loan (typically $10,000 to $30,000) to ensure that the whole house is brought up to program standards.  HELP-funded home improvements make a home more affordable by saving money through lower power bills. In addition to saving money, HELP-funded home improvements make homes more healthy and comfortable to live in. 

To receive assistance through HELP homeowners must have an annual household income not exceeding 80% of the area median income, be a Duke Energy customer, and be selected for assistance by a Member organization. To find out if there is a HELP Member serving your area, check the list of current HELP Members.

To learn more about the Duke Home Energy Loan Pool contact Housing Rehabilitation Officer, Cal Jordan at 919-877-5632 or rcjordan@nchfa.com.

For information about organizations that provide housing services in your area, go to our Housing Resource Guide.