Critical Home Repair

Habitat’s Home Repair Program works with homeowners who need assistance with critical repairs that will alleviate health and safety issues and increase their quality of life in the home. The purpose of this program is to keep low- and moderate- income homeowners safely in their primary residence, it is not a program meant for “flipping”, repairing for resale, or secondary homes. Please complete and submit an intake form if you are interested in applying. 

Eligible projects may include:

• Roofs
• Gutters
• Siding repair
• Steps, Ramps, Porches, Decks and Retaining Walls
• Walkways and Driveways
• Landscaping
• Brush and Junk Removal
• Exterior Painting
• Siding and Door repair
• Interior Work (on a case by case basis)
• Other repairs needed

Qualifications and Requirements

• Applicants must own and occupy the home for a minimum of one year before applying.
• Applicants must provide proof of income for all household members.
• Household income must not exceed 80% AMI. (see chart below)

Income Qualification Chart

• All applications will be screened by Habitat for Humanity Staff and an Underwriter to determine eligibility.
• Larger scale repairs such as those listed above require the homeowner to agree to a deferred loan that will be secured with a recorded Deed of Trust.
• Homeowner must have proof of current homeowners insurance.
• Homeowner or a representative shall agree to partner with Habitat by contributing a minimum of 8 sweat equity hours and attending a 2-hour home maintenance class.
• If you have a reverse mortgage or live in a manufactured home built after 1976 that is on leased property, you may be eligible for a grant in lieu of the deferred loan and a $100 program fee may apply. Please note this in your application.

How To Apply for Home Repair Programs

1. Intake Form: The first step is to fill out an intake form. An applicant can do this here on our website. If an applicant doesn’t have internet access, they can call our King County office at 206-452-7697 or Kittitas County office at 509-818-1974 to complete their intake over the phone.
2. Full Application: Once we process their intake, we will determine if the applicant meets our basic requirements. If the applicant qualifies for the program, we will notify them and send them a full application. Once they turn in a completed application, and we approve it, we will contact them and set up a time for the site visit.
3. Site Visit & Review: Someone from the repair team will schedule an appointment to visit the home and determine what kind of repairs need to be made and if the repairs fall within the scope of work. Also, during this phase, Habitat creates a plan for Critical Repairs, Minor Home Repair, and assesses Aging in Place work. Then creates a scope of work and project cost. Schedule is based upon urgency, weather, funding and the current pipeline of applicants.
4. Repair: Habitat works to repair the home using Habitat staff, AmeriCorps, and possibly contractors and community volunteers.