Home repairs can be costly, especially if they are for necessary things around the home. Repairing things like the roof, hot water tank, or major appliances can be quite expensive. There are millions of people who struggle each month to pay their bills, making it impossible to have the extra funds to pay for home repairs. Rather than go without them, they need to know where to turn to get financial help for home repairs.
Knowing where to turn to get help with paying for home repairs is crucial. It can mean the difference in going without having something repaired and ensuring that it is repaired, so that you will still be able to use it. Many things around the home are essential and people need to keep them going, especially when it comes to things like the heating and air conditioning unit, foundation, roof, or other critical needs items.
Programs Providing Financial Help
There are some programs you can turn to for assistance in getting repairs made around your home. Contact those that you feel qualified for, because there is no limit to how many you can reach out to. Plus, the more you contact, the better your chances are in finding one that can help meet your needs.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This is a federal agency that is the largest provider of support for people who need any type of housing assistance. Not only do they help people locate affordable housing and provide rental payment help, but they will also help with making necessary home repairs. They will also provide people with home improvement loans, so if there are upgrades you want to make but you don’t have the funds for, you may qualify for one of the loans. The loans are paid back over time. In addition to the loans, they provide grants to help people with making repairs to their home. The grants do not have to be paid back, as they are considered a gift to help people in need. To qualify for the home repair assistance through HUD, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. Contact the HUD office in your state for help with home repairs. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – This agency in the federal government offers the Section 504 Home Repair program. This program will provide loans and grants to people who live in rural areas and have a very low income. The funds can be used to make home repairs and upgrades. Whether you are provided a loan or grant is determined by your income level. A loan will have to be paid back monthly over time, while a grant never has to be paid back. To qualify for the program, you have to be the owner of the home, be unable to get credit elsewhere, and meet the low income guidelines. The grants are provided to those who are ages 62 and up. The funds can be used to pay for home repairs and improvements. The maximum amount of a grant that is provided to someone is $10,000, while the maximum amount of a loan is $40,000. The loan payments are spread out over 20 years with a low interest rate of only 1%. To get more information and apply for the Section 504 Home Repair program, click here.
211 – This is a number you can call to get referrals to places near you that can help with your situation. It is provided by the organization called the United Way. All you have to do is call them and share what you need help with and where you live and they will provide you with referrals that can be of assistance. It is a free referral service and it is open to everyone in the country. To get more information about the program, click here.
Habitat for Humanity – This organization has locations around the country. They provide assistance to people who need help with their housing needs. Most people are familiar with their program where they will help people build their own home, but they are less familiar with the program they have that will help people with housing repairs. They also have a chain of thrift stores around the country that has housing goods in them at affordable prices. To find a Habitat for Humanity near you, click here.
Public Housing Authorities – There are public housing authority offices around the country. Every state has one, as does many cities and counties. Contact the public housing authority office near you to inquire about getting financial help for home repairs. They may have programs in place, or can refer you to programs, that can be of assistance. They are an authority on all things housing in your area, so they are a good resource to turn to. To find your state’s housing authority office, click here.
Council on Aging – Many cities around the country have a council on aging office. They focus on helping the aging population that lives in that area. They will also provide help with home repairs. Many have a handyman that works for them, and the person will stop by and help make necessary repairs. Contact your local office to see what type of home repairs services they can offer.
Churches – There are thousands of churches around the country and they are always good places to turn to when you are in need. One of their missions is to help people in the community who need assistance. They can often help people with their housing repairs by providing financial assistance or someone who can help with doing the repairs. If they cannot help you at that church, they may able to provide you with referrals to places that can help in your area. You don’t have to a member of the church in order to ask them for assistance. Their programs are usually open to anyone in the community.
