At our Home Repair Program, we believe in making home repairs affordable and accessible, all while preserving the joy of homeownership for low-income residents. Our mission is to address critical health and safety concerns, making homes safer and more comfortable. We strive to create a kinder and better living environment for you.
Funding for the Home Repair Program comes from Federal, City, County and State grants, organizational grants and funding for veterans as well as donations from community members and businesses. Funding programs may require a forgivable loan, an affordable repayment plan and sweat equity hours through volunteer work or advocacy.
TYPES OF REPAIRS WE OFFER
Our services cover essential repairs, including roof replacement, flooring replacement, and other areas necessary to keep you in your home. We prioritize your safety and well-being.
For those smaller but still crucial fixes, we offer assistance with roof repairs and minor electrical, plumbing, and yard clean-up. Additionally, we can help with paint work to enhance your home’s appearance.
We care about making your home accessible and convenient. We provide solutions like grab bars, and modifications to your kitchen and bathroom to ensure your comfort and mobility.
We extend our support to mobile homeowners as well, covering all the repair types mentioned above. Everyone deserves a safe and well-maintained home.
SELECTION
Our selection process is based on three key criteria:
Ability to Pay
We consider the income and credit of the applicants, as explained in detail above for any programs that require repayment. In some areas there may be other funding sources available that do not require repayment. Not all areas qualify for repairs and/or funding sources. Please contact us to find out if your home is in an area that we have repair programs.
Need for Repairs
We assess the required repairs and their impact on your ability to remain in the home. We also assess the repairs to ensure they will result in making the home safe and comfortable for the homeowners.
Willingness to Partner
Habitat’s home repair program is about offering a helping hand, not a handout. As a homeowner, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, including contributing sweat equity:
Sweat Equity: Partner households are expected to contribute a minimum of 25 hours of sweat equity to the the repair of their homes. Friends and family can also donate some of these hours, and we make reasonable accommodations for health and disability needs. There are volunteer opportunities available to all ages and abilities.
In order to qualify for our program, you must:
- Own and reside in the home in need of repairs
- Be up to date on taxes for the property
- Be current on mortgage payments
- Have homeowners insurance in force on the property
- Have flood insurance in force on the property if located in a flood hazard zone
- Require repairs that fall within the guidelines of the program
- Have a household gross income under 80% of the area median income, be over the age of 65, Disabled or a Veteran
- Be willing to agree to the terms of the funding programs utilized for your project
Application Process
Contact us at 559-734-4040 or stop by our office at 637 S Lovers Lane, Visalia, CA for more information and to apply.
Please note, the Critical Home Repair Program is not designed to provide immediate emergency fixes. While the program aims to address critical repairs, it operates on a scheduled basis, prioritizing projects based on urgency, health, safety, accessibility and based on available resources to our affiliate. If you are in need of urgent repairs that pose an immediate threat to the health, safety, or accessibility of your home, it is recommended to seek alternative resources for emergency assistance. Dialing 2-1-1 in Tulare and Kings Counties will connect you to a call center that will direct you to an appropriate social service agency or nonprofit.
Are You a Licensed Contractor Seeking Opportunities?
If you’re a licensed contractor looking for work, please contact Julia at 559-734-4040, extension 102. We’re always on the lookout for skilled professionals to join our team.