Long Beach Offers Up to $20,000 for Roof Repairs Through Home Improvement Grant Program

A Targeted Lifeline for Roof Repairs

The City of Long Beach is helping low-income homeowners stay in their homes by paying for one of the most expensive repairs a family can face. Through the Home Improvement Roof Grant Program (HIRGP), the city's Community Development Department offers eligible owner-occupied single-family property owners up to $20,000 in grant funding for rehabilitation or replacement of a failing roof. A roof that leaks, sags, or has failed shingles is more than a nuisance, since it can lead to mold, structural damage, and higher utility bills. The grant is designed to help families fix those problems before they cascade into larger, more costly issues.

Who Qualifies

To qualify for HIRGP, applicants must own and occupy a single-family home as their primary residence. Household income must be at or below 50 percent of the Los Angeles County area median income, adjusted for family size. The property must also be located inside a Long Beach Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) area, a federal designation that targets federal housing dollars to neighborhoods with concentrated need. Long Beach publishes a map of CDBG-eligible areas so homeowners can quickly confirm whether their address qualifies.

How the Program Works

Once approved, the homeowner selects a licensed contractor of their choice to complete the work. The city approves the scope and disburses payments directly to the contractor on the homeowner's behalf, which means participants do not have to front large sums or manage payments between stages of the project. Because the grant is not a reimbursement program, construction cannot begin until the city issues a Notice to Proceed. Starting work before that notice is issued can disqualify an otherwise eligible project.

What the Grant Covers

HIRGP funds can pay for a full roof replacement or targeted repairs, depending on the inspection findings and contractor scope. Covered costs typically include tear-off of the existing roof, structural repairs to the decking, new underlayment, flashing, and shingles or other approved roofing materials that meet current code. The program's goal is to deliver a watertight, code-compliant roof that extends the useful life of the home and improves energy efficiency.

Funding Pool and Demand

The city has set aside $500,000 for HIRGP, which means grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funding runs out. Because that pool can cover only a few dozen homes at the $20,000 cap, demand typically exceeds supply, and applicants are encouraged to prepare their paperwork ahead of time to move quickly when a new funding cycle opens.

How to Apply

Long Beach residents can review eligibility, download the current application, and find the Program Coordinator's contact information on the Long Beach Community Development Department's Home Improvement Roof Grant Program page. Applicants should be ready to provide proof of ownership, household income documentation for everyone in the home, recent mortgage and property tax statements, and photos or a written description of the roof condition. Applicants with questions can also reach out to the city's Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau for help navigating the process.

Why It Matters

For seniors on fixed incomes, working families, and long-tenure owners in historically underinvested neighborhoods, a $20,000 grant can mean the difference between aging safely in place and being forced to sell or fall behind on maintenance. HIRGP is one piece of a broader Long Beach strategy to preserve naturally occurring affordable housing by helping existing owners keep their homes safe and livable.