Many homeowners face a lot of home repairs, from roof leaks to broken windows and plumbing issues. These expenses can be incredibly costly and stressful to deal with as a homeowner.
Fortunately, there are plenty of organizations and loan assistance programs available that help low-income families pay for these repairs. Some offer discounted or free repairs, while others offer low rate fixed interest loans.
New York State Home Improvement Grants
There are several government-sponsored grants and loans to help you make home repairs. Whether it’s a roof repair or a kitchen upgrade, these funds can be a lifesaver.
New York State recently infused more money into local agencies that help low-income families and senior citizens make energy-efficient upgrades. Elizabeth McDade, executive director of RENEW, says these programs can help both people who qualify and the environment.
Long Island Housing Partnership
If you need help with home repairs, the Long Island Housing Partnership is a good place to start. Their weatherization program is free to income-eligible renters and homeowners, and they also offer deferred grants and loans for home improvements.
The organization also provides mortgage counseling and default & foreclosure prevention services. Their certified staff counsels first-time home buyers, and assists families in avoiding foreclosure and default on their mortgages.
They also run an affordable housing lottery, and provide technical assistance to community groups, municipalities, and for profit developers. They help low-income residents qualify for affordable rental units, and arrange financing for socially-worthy housing projects.
Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk
For those in need of assistance for home repairs, the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk may be able to help. They can direct you to emergency assistance programs and education and job training services.
The agency also offers housing counseling, a comprehensive homeownership program, credit and budgeting classes and other support. It also provides low interest loan/grants to elderly, very-low-income homeowners to fix up their homes or remove health and safety hazards such as septic systems.
Food insecurity is an issue that has exploded in Suffolk County, especially among undocumented immigrant workers who have lost their jobs or had their hours cut and received almost no government COVID stimulus or unemployment benefits. Commission Chair Richard Koubek told the Welfare to Work Commission at its June meeting that he is working with NYS Senator Jessica Ramos on a bill that would provide up to $750 in weekly unemployment benefits for undocumented immigrant workers if they are unable to work because of the COVID crisis.
Rural Ulster Preservation
If you are a senior or disabled person who needs to have your home repaired but cannot afford it, you may be eligible for help. A $1.2 million grant recently was awarded to Rural Ulster Preservation Company by the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) and will be used to fund home repairs for seniors, the disabled, and people with low incomes who meet eligibility requirements.
RUPCO is a non-profit agency that works to provide quality, sustainable housing opportunities to low-income households across the mid-Hudson Valley. It offers programs in several areas including a Solutions to End Homelessness Program, Section 8 rental assistance, landlord and contractor assistance, and more.
Home HeadQuarters
Home HeadQuarters meets the needs of underserved Central New Yorkers by providing Nationally-certified homebuyer education for first time homebuyers, financial and homeownership counseling, foreclosure prevention, real estate services and affordable home and energy improvement loans and grants. It is a chartered member of NeighborWorks America, a HUD-certified Housing Counseling Agency and a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Founded in 1996, Home HeadQuarters is one of the largest regional providers of affordable home and energy improvement loans and grants. The organization also offers a wide range of services to help residents revitalize their neighborhoods and create safe, affordable homes.