Altoona Homeowners Can Get 0% Loans for Home Repairs and Energy Upgrades

Homeowners in Altoona, Wisconsin will soon have a new way to get help with needed home repairs.

The city will launch the Safe Steps Home Improvement Program on July 20, 2026. The program is meant to help homeowners fix safety problems, lower energy costs, and keep homes affordable over time.

What help is available?

The program includes several kinds of help. Two parts of the program offer 0% interest loans.

• Critical home repair loans: up to $7,500, with a 5-year repayment period.
• Energy repair loans: up to $12,000, with a 10-year repayment period.

The city also listed yard cleanup and disabled vehicle removal as parts of the broader program.

Who can qualify?

Applicants must own a home in Altoona. They must also make 80% or less of the area median income. The article listed Altoona's median household income as $84,552, so the exact income limit will depend on the program rules and household size.

What repairs can be covered?

The program is focused on repairs that make homes safer, healthier, and less expensive to live in.

City leaders said eligible work may include critical home repairs and energy-efficiency improvements. The city is partnering with groups such as Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity, Focus on Energy, Xcel Energy, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, and Western Dairyland.

How to apply

The official program website is expected to launch on July 20, 2026. Altoona homeowners should check the city's Safe Steps program page when it opens to confirm eligibility and application steps.

The city expects to support about 20 to 24 projects each year. Because the program uses a revolving loan structure, repayments are expected to help fund future projects.