Struggling to Afford Critical Home Repairs? Harris County’s Home Repair Program May Help.
If your home is in need of critical repairs, and you're struggling to find the financial resources to make the necessary repairs, you may be eligible for assistance through the Harris County Housing & Community Development (HCD) Home Repair Program. Designed to help low- and moderate-income homeowners, particularly the elderly and disabled, this program offers critical support to restore homes to safe and livable conditions.
What is the Home Repair Program?
The Harris County Home Repair Program aims to address health and safety hazards in homes owned by low-income, elderly, and disabled residents. The program provides financial assistance for home repairs such as roof replacements, plumbing, electrical work, and handicap accessibility improvements, with the goal of improving quality of life and ensuring safe living conditions. The Home Repair Program provides a crucial safety net for those who might otherwise be unable to afford repairs, helping to restore their homes and improve their overall living environment.
Who is Eligible for Assistance?
To qualify for assistance, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include:
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Homeownership: The applicant must own and occupy the home. The home must also be a single-family dwelling. To confirm that your home is within the Harris County Service Area, go here.
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Income Limits: The household must meet income eligibility guidelines, which are based on HUD standards for low- and moderate-income residents. For more information about income limits, go here.
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Age/Disability: The program specifically targets homeowners who are 62 years of age or older, disabled, or have a disabled person residing in the home.
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Property Value: The home’s value must not exceed HUD’s Homeownership Limits, which are $261,000 as of July 1, 2023.
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Proof of Need: Applicants must demonstrate that they are financially unable to afford the necessary repairs.
A home inspection is required to assess eligibility and determine the scope of necessary repairs.
Types of Assistance Offered
The Home Repair Program provides a range of financial assistance options based on the severity of the damage:
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Minor Home Repair Grant: Homeowners can receive up to $20,000 for minor repairs such as roof replacement, plumbing, and electrical improvements. These funds are available in the form of a grant, meaning they do not need to be repaid.
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Minor/Moderate Home Repair: For more significant repairs, up to $60,000 in assistance may be provided, either as a grant or a deferred forgivable loan. These repairs can include things like roof replacements, mechanical and electrical work, and handicap accessibility improvements.
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Septic and Water Well Repairs: Up to $40,000 can be provided to repair or replace water wells and septic systems that are malfunctioning or have received health or safety violations. There are no age restrictions for this assistance, but all other eligibility criteria must be met.
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Major Rehabilitation/Reconstruction: In designated revitalization areas, homeowners may be eligible for up to $80,000 in assistance for major home repairs. Additionally, up to 95% of the median purchase price for the area (currently set at $261,000) may be available for reconstruction.
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How the Program Can Help After Recent Storms
Damage to roofing, electrical systems, and plumbing can render homes unsafe, particularly for elderly or disabled residents. The financial assistance offered through this program can be used to repair these systems, improving safety and restoring essential services.
In addition, the program includes funding for handicap accessibility improvements, which is crucial for residents with disabilities who may need modifications to their homes to maintain mobility and independence.
For those who have exhausted other forms of disaster assistance or whose insurance does not fully cover the cost of repairs, the Home Repair Program offers an opportunity to access financial help without incurring large out-of-pocket expenses.
How to Apply
Homeowners who believe they may qualify for the Home Repair Program can apply by submitting a completed application, along with supporting documents such as proof of income, tax returns, and bank statements. The application can be submitted to the Harris County Housing & Community Development department by mail or email.
Key documents required for the application process include:
- A signed and completed application form
- Valid identification (e.g., driver’s license)
- Proof of citizenship status
- Verification of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
- Documentation of the home’s deed or mortgage
- Recent utility bills
Applications will be processed after all required documents are submitted, and a feasibility inspection will be conducted to assess the home’s eligibility for repairs.
A Critical Resource for Vulnerable Homeowners
For homeowners who are elderly, disabled, or struggling to make ends meet, the Harris County Home Repair Program offers much-needed assistance to restore their homes and ensure safe living conditions. The program’s focus on health and safety hazards makes it an essential resource for many residents. For those in need of home repairs, this program can provide not only financial assistance but peace of mind, knowing that their home will be repaired, and their quality of life improved.
To learn more about eligibility or to apply, visit the Harris County Housing & Community Development website or contact the department directly at 832-927-4955.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
