How can I get a home improvement grant in Georgia?

Home improvement or home repair grants and loans in Georgia or any other state in the US are available to low and moderate-income homeowners, renters, and lenders. These funds may primarily be used by low-income families with children, low-income single parents, low-income senior citizens, veterans, and disabled people. The eligibility requirements on these funds vary on income, age, type of property, as well as the location of the property. Reaching out to federal, state and county agencies that administer grant and loan programs and getting informed of the documents and eligibility requirements is your first step.

Did you know that there are several District of Columbia solar incentives, rebates, and programs expiring in 2023? Before you start worrying, you should know that there are unbelievable new incentives here now! Check out one of the most popular resources for learning about these programs in the link below.

Access District of Columbia Solar Programs

For convenience, search and apply for Georgia home repair grants online. You can start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/offices/ or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link:

https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/homeownership/buyingprgms.

HUD offers funding through over 20 programs, including their two main programs: the Community Block Grant Program or CDBG and the HOME Investment Partnership Program. The CDBG program provides annual grants on a formula basis to entitlement communities as a means to support viable communities by providing decent housing. Through the Home Investment Partnerships Program or HOME, HUD provides formula grants for communities to use in partnership with local nonprofit groups to fund a wide range of activities to develop rental and single-family homes for income-eligible persons. You can find your county or city official site and see if they offer any home improvement programs using these links:

https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/community/cdbg
https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/community/home.

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, United Way 211 is also a great place to start. This is a free, live telephone service available on a 24-hour basis to connect residents to a variety of human services or social services across the state. According to their official website, the 2-1-1 call specialists are available 24/7 to help callers find such services as mortgage, rent, and utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, etc., that are available right in their communities. Depending on your location, you may choose from the six available websites in Georgia:

Explore comprehensive home improvement programs available in your area. Whether you're looking to upgrade your windows, install a new roof, or completely remodel your home, find out how these programs can help you achieve your goals with financial assistance and expert advice.

Access District of Columbia Home Improvement Programs

https://www.ourunitedway.org/ – Northwest Georgia,

https://www.unitedwaynega.org/ – Northeast Georgia,

https://www.unitedwaycg.org/ – Central Georgia, 

https://www.unitedwayatlanta.org/ – Atlanta,

https://unitedwaysega.org/ – Southeast Georgia,

https://www.unitedwayswga.org/ – Southwest Georgia.

As a state, Georgia offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over Georgia that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. You can find and contact your local office, and get informed on the programs they offered, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements. https://www.habitatgeorgia.org/find-your-habitat/

How can I get a solar grant in Georgia?

Georgia offers renewable energy and energy efficiency incentive programs, which are available for residential customers, small and large businesses, and government agencies, to improve the environment and stimulate sustainable economic development and growth. Going solar in 2021 is essential for reducing carbon emissions by using renewable clean energy from the sun and lowering your monthly energy costs. Beyond the federal ITC, Georgia offers additional incentives for going solar, depending on where you live and who your utility company is.

The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit or ITC is a federal policy that supports the use of solar energy in the USA. This policy represents a 26% tax credit claimed against the tax liability for solar systems on residential and commercial properties. Georgia’s average cost of a solar panel installation ranges from $12,622.00 to $17,078.00. On a cost per watt ($/W) basis, a solar panel installation in Georgia ranges in price from $2.52 to $3.42. You can apply for this credit on your taxes when you purchase solar systems and install them on your roofs.

The percentage that you can get is the following:

  • 26 percent for projects that begin construction in 2021 and 2022,
  • 22 percent for projects that begin construction in 2023,
  • After 2023, the residential credit drops to zero while the commercial credit drops to a permanent 10 percent.

To apply for this credit you must meet certain criteria, such as:

  • The solar PV system is located at your primary or secondary residence in the United States, or for an off-site community solar project, if the electricity generated is credited against, and does not exceed, your home’s electricity consumption,
  • You own the solar PV system (i.e., you purchased it with cash or through financing but you are neither leasing nor are in an arrangement to purchase electricity generated by a system you do not own),
  • The solar PV system is new or being used for the first time. The credit can only be claimed on the “original installation” of the solar equipment.

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority or GEFA provides rebates to cities, counties, and K-12 public schools and reimburses up to 50% (or $50,000.00 whichever is less) of the cost of materials, design, and installation of up to 60 kilowatts (kW) ground mount or rooftop solar. This rebate is offered to government entities that are not eligible to receive the 30% federal tax credit that benefits for-profit facilities.

How can I get a debt grant?

Although getting a grant that will cover your debt is NOT available, there are still several other options in Georgia to consolidate and lower your debts. While the government does not typically provide debt grants, it does offer a variety of programs that can assist consumers who are struggling with their finances or overwhelmed with credit card debts. Many credit counselors offer debt consolidation programs that can lower the interest rate on your outstanding debts, like high-interest credit card debts. Another option at your disposal is the debt consolidation loans where a debt consolidation lender pays off your debts and all you are left with is one single payment for this new loan. The third option is debt settlement in which a debt negotiator works out a settlement with your creditors. 

If you’re facing unmanageable debt, a Debt Management Program might be the answer. This program helps you pay off your debt to multiple creditors with a single, comfortable monthly payment. When you sign for this kind of program at any of the available agencies, they negotiate better terms for you from each of your creditors. The payment then goes to your chosen agency and they distribute those funds on your behalf. A debt management plan is not a loan, but an agreement between debt management companies and creditors on your behalf. Although this is NOT a grant, you still save money in interest and fees. Before you agree to a debt management plan, it is advisable to get help from a credit counseling organization. Debt Management Plans usually last from 36 to 60 months. The link below shows a list of approved credit counseling agencies in the state of Georgia you may contact:

https://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/CC_Files/CC_Approved_Agencies_HTML/cc_georgia/cc_georgia.htm

You can also try and reduce your debt by applying online for debt counseling services at InCharge.org, a non-profit organization. This organization has a debt management program that works directly with creditors to consolidate your debt through the method of combining multiple debts into one monthly payment, reduce the interest rate on your credit, and create a monthly payment plan that you can afford.

Another financial strategy to pay off your debts is through a Debt Consolidation Loan. This means getting a loan to pay off all of your debts and then make single monthly payments to your lender. The advantages are that debt consolidation loans usually carry a lower interest rate, and these loans usually take 2 to 5 years to repay, depending on the amount. The loans can be secured by a home, car or property or be unsecured.

Debt Settlement is your third option, in which a debt negotiator works out a settlement with your creditor. This settlement reduces your existing loan principles and credit card balances by a substantial margin. This option is a prime alternative to bankruptcy. 

If you are having credit card debts, you can use a Balance Transfer Credit Card. This type of card typically comes with a promotional, low, or zero percent interest rate, which lasts usually 12-18, but in some cases could go for 24 months.

Are there homeowner grants for bills?

Government or other available grants can provide financial aid to help pay for housing, rent, utilities, medical supplies, or even transportation costs. There are resources for low-income families, single mothers, seniors, the disabled, the unemployed, the underemployed, and others in need. Many utility companies in Georgia also have programs to assist low-income customers. These programs may help you pay your utility bills or lower the amount of energy you use. 

The Georgia Energy Assistance Program (EAP), also known as the Georgia Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP is a federal program that helps low-income households pay for heating or cooling their homes. This program will help you pay your energy bill for heating or cooling your home. The basic requirements that need to be met to receive financial assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program include being a US resident and having a household income of at or below 60% of the Area Median Income. 

The Heating Energy Assistance Team, Inc. or HEAT offers financial aid to low-income residents of Georgia by paying their heating bills. HEAT works with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to distribute energy assistance funds through community action agencies. Eligible residents can apply for help at the local community action agency that serves their county. HEAT is funded by contributions from private citizens, energy companies, organizations, and corporations. Some citizens donate to HEAT through their utility bills while others make direct donations. All applicants must have a total gross yearly household income at or below 60% of Georgia’s median income level.

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF is also available in Georgia. This is a monthly cash assistance program for low-income families with children under 18, and children age 18 attending school. You may apply online at https://gateway.ga.gov/access/ or get more information on (877) 423-4746. 

Families across Georgia can receive discounts on their phone bills from Lifeline and Link-Up. These programs intend to ensure that all households have some form of emergency communication available to them. Applicants will receive a discount on their bills in the form of credit. Lifeline Assistance provides up to a $13.50 credit on qualified residential customers’ bills in AT&T-Georgia’s service area. Customers in other telephone companies’ service areas receive the $10 federal credit. Link-Up Georgia reduces the cost of hook-up charges for eligible customers. AT&T-Georgia waives 100% of the telephone service hook-up charge for its customers. Customers of all other local telephone companies in Georgia receive a waiver of one-half of the connection charge or $30.00, whichever is less. 

Seniors aged 65 and over who own their residence can receive a reduction in their power bills. Customers who are at least 65 years old with a total household income of not more than $25,760.00 annually are eligible to receive an up to $24.00 discount on their Georgia Power bill. Natural gas customers in Atlanta Gas Light Company’s delivery area may receive up to a $14.00 discount. 

Are there tax grants for homeowners?

Although there are no specific tax grants for homeowners, there are cases in which you can get help with your debt to the IRS. Standard Homestead Exemption is available to all Georgia residents. The home of each resident of Georgia that is occupied and used as the primary residence by the owner may be granted a $2,000.00 exemption from county and school taxes except for school taxes levied by municipalities and except to pay interest on and to retire bonded indebtedness. The $2,000.00 is deducted from the 40% assessed value of the homestead. Seniors age 65 or older may be eligible for a double homestead exemption. 

Georgia is very tax-friendly toward retirees. This state does not tax Social Security retirement benefits and provides a maximum deduction of $65,000.00 per person on all types of retirement income for anyone 65 or older.  Individuals 65 years of age and older may also claim a $4,000.00 exemption. Individuals, 65 years of age or over may claim a $4,000.00 exemption from all county ad valorem taxes if the income of that person and his spouse does not exceed $10,000.00 for the prior year. Married couples can double up on the exemption, but will need to meet certain requirements to do so.

Any qualifying disabled veteran may be granted an exemption of $60,000.00 plus an additional sum from paying property taxes for the county, municipal, and school purposes. The additional sum is determined according to an index rate set by the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

State tax incentives are available for owners of a historic property who carry out substantial rehabilitation. The Georgia State Income Tax Credit Program for Rehabilitated Historic Property allows eligible participants to apply for a state income tax credit equaling 25% of qualifying rehabilitation expenses capped at $100,000.00 for a personal residence, and $300,000.00, $5 million or $10 million for all other properties. The property must be listed or eligible for listing in the Georgia Register of Historic Places, either individually or as a contributing building within a historic district

How can I get a grant to repair my home?

Home repair grants and loans are NOT given to anyone and for any purpose. The best way to get a grant to repair your home is to meet all the required criteria, have all the necessary documents, and submit your application within the given deadline. 

Each of these grants varies in income, age, type of repair necessary, and location. Very low income and low-income families, families with children, single parents, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and veterans have a primary position when it comes to approval. Repairing a home is a very broad subject and can cover many projects within. Unfortunately, not all of them are eligible for grant fundings. No one will give you free money if you don’t like the tiles in your bathroom or the color of your kitchen cabinets. Emergency repairs, including repairs addressing health and safety hazards, as well as home modification that improves code violations are the only eligible repairs. Start by researching online on the available federal and state programs, then move to your county and city. Non-profit organizations, charities, and local churches also provide financial aid, volunteer labor, or discounted material you may use.

Keep in mind these funds are limited and they usually work on a first comes first-served basis, so you want to be informed on time. Make sure you meet all the required criteria and you have all the necessary documents. Another fact you should know is that not all grants will be categorized specifically under home improvement needs. They may be related to broader themes such as conservation, community upgrades, veteran or low-income family support for all residents.

For convenience, search and apply for Georgia home repair grants online. You can start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/offices/ or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link:

https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/homeownership/buyingprgms.

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, United Way 211 is also a great place to start. This is a free, live telephone service available on a 24-hour basis to connect residents to a variety of human services or social services across the state. According to their official website, the 2-1-1 call specialists are available 24/7 to help callers find such services as mortgage, rent, and utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, etc., that are available right in their communities. Depending on your location, you may choose from the six available websites in Georgia:

https://www.ourunitedway.org/ – Northwest Georgia,

https://www.unitedwaynega.org/ – Northeast Georgia,

https://www.unitedwaycg.org/ – Central Georgia, 

https://www.unitedwayatlanta.org/ – Atlanta,

https://unitedwaysega.org/ – Southeast Georgia,

https://www.unitedwayswga.org/ – Southwest Georgia.

How can I get a grant for windows?

Grants are available in Georgia to help with the cost of repairing or installing new windows if your current windows are cracked, broken, leaking, old, or inefficient. Window repair and replacement are considered an emergency repair and it is usually covered by all home improvement grants and loan programs.

The Georgia Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) increases the energy efficiency of dwellings owned or occupied by low-income persons. Weatherization to improve the energy efficiency of the home can include weather stripping, caulking, insulation, repairing or replacing windows and doors. Proper home weatherization can save households over $300.00 per year. To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Georgia and meet the income qualification. This program offers funds primarily to older citizens, families with or more members with a disability, and families with children. If you need such a program, you may use the following link: https://www.benefitsapplication.com/program_info/GA/WAP

If you are living in a rural area in Georgia and anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing or replacing your windows is possible by the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also offers a Section 502 Single Family Direct Loan Program to income-eligible applicants living in rural areas. 

As a state, Georgia offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. You can get help from your local Habitat for Humanity organization. Each Habitat for Humanity coordinates its own construction, selects local homeowner applicants and many operate local ReStore home improvement centers. Non-profit organizations like Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity offer home repair programs to help residents of Henry, Clayton, and Fayette County. Their Home Energy Programs can cover the cost of your windows replacement. If you are a low-income senior resident in Fulton County you may use financial aid from the Department of Senior Services Minor Home Repair Program.  Senior citizens may also use the Special Purpose Home Repair Program administered by DeKalb County, as well as the Home Repair Program in Cherokee County. Low-income residents from Gwinnett County may use a five-year deferred payment loan with 0% interest through the Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation Program. Home improvement grants and loans are also available in all major cities in Georgia. The City of Marietta offers a Housing Rehabilitation Program to assist low-to-moderate income homeowners with the cost of their windows repair or replacement. 

If you need, such programs, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. For convenience, search and apply for Georgia home repair grants online. You can start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/offices/ or use the 2-1-1 free telephone service to get informed on services such as a mortgage, rent, and utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, etc.

How can I get a grant for new flooring?

A home improvement flooring project is a complex and expensive project. Whatever your home flooring style, you’re sure to face a repair or replacement project if you live in your home for a long time or have moved into an older property. Luckily, low and moderate-income homeowners in Georgia can reach their local government or visit their government official site and apply for a home improvement grant. These grants offer partial or complete financial aid to eligible homeowners, and they can be used for health and safety issues, as well as emergency repairs. Start your research online for federal, state, county, or city programs that may help you partially or completely lower your home improvement project cost.

If you are living in a rural area in Georgia and anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing or replacing your flooring is possible by the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00.

As a state, Georgia offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over Georgia that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. You can find and contact your local office, and get informed on the programs they offered, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements.

Residents of Henry, Clayton, and Fayette Counties can get help in their mechanical repairs through the Critical Home Repair Program administered by the Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity. Senior residents of Fulton County may use funds from the Department of Senior Services Minor Home Repair Program, and the Special Purpose Home Repair Program if they are residents of DeKalb County. Residents of Cherokee County can get financial aid up to $5,000.00 from its Home Repair Program. The program offers funds to low-income seniors, aged 55 and older, with a household income of 60% of the Area Median Income. 

If you are in need and eligible for such programs, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. For convenience, search and apply for Georgia home repair grants online. You can start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/offices/ or use the 2-1-1 free telephone service to get informed on services such as a mortgage, rent, and utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, etc.

Are there grants for the elderly?

Senior citizens living in Georgia may get help from many federal, state, county, and city programs, as well as non-profit organizations and charities. This help can be in the form of home maintenance and minor services, transportation, assistive technology equipment, legal aid, food vouchers, and home-delivered meals, senior centers, caregiver counseling, and in-home respite care, etc. These assistance programs help the elderly, retirees, and older Americans, whether they have medical issues or not. The Georgia Department of Aging offers services and programs to assist older Georgians. Most of these services are provided by the state’s Area Agencies on Aging. https://aging.georgia.gov/locations.

If you are living in a rural area in Georgia and anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing your home is possible by the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00.

Eligible senior citizens can receive a discount on their gas, electric, and telephone bills in the form of a senior citizen discount or, in the case of telephone bills, lifeline assistance. Customers of Georgia Power Company who are 65 years of age or older with a total household income of $23,540.00, or less, per year qualify to receive this discount. If you receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Stamps, Medicaid, or a senior citizen discount offered by the local gas or power company, then you may receive up to a $9.25 credit on your local monthly telephone bill. This credit is provided through a program called the Lifeline Assistance Program.

Senior citizens age 55 and older, residents of Fulton County may receive financial aid through their Department of Senior Services Minor Home Repair Program. These funds may be used in home improvement projects such as structural issues (doors, windows, ceilings, walls, floors), accessibility modifications (installation of thresholds, ramps, zero-step doorways, repair and installation of grab bars), plumbing repairs, weatherization services, etc.

The City of Atlanta’s Bureau of Housing home repair information is to assist senior citizen homeowners that are at least 62 years of age or disabled and the house is located within the corporate city limits of the City of Atlanta.

Special Purpose Home Repair Program is available to residents of DeKalb County seniors aged 62 and above, as well as disabled adults in repairing property conditions that threaten the subsistence of their homes or present threats to health or safety due to hazardous and/or unsanitary conditions. These funds are provided as a deferred payment forgivable loan up to $12,000.00. The program may provide an additional $2,000.00 in handicap accessibility items.

Residents of Cherokee County can get financial aid up to $5,000.00 from its Home Repair Program. The program offers funds to low-income seniors, aged 55 and older, with a household income of 60% of the Area Median Income.

Home improvement grants and loans are offered to low-income homeowners in the City of Savannah for building exterior and site improvements. Home improvement grants offered by the City may range from $2,500.00 to $10,000.00 depending upon the location and size of the house. Grants may be available to eligible homeowners 60 years of age or older and/or to homeowners who have owned and occupied their homes for at least 10 years.

HouseProud Atlanta partners with community organizations such as the “Home Depot Foundation” to help senior homeowners make home modifications, repairs, and home improvements so that they can age in place in their neighborhoods. This program provides free home repairs for low-income senior homeowners or disabled homeowners. These funds may be used in repairs such as wheelchair ramp or access ramp repair, caulking of doors or windows, repair of rotten floors, step repair or replacement, replacing broken window panes, repairing roofs and shingle replacements, gutter repair or replacement, and more. 

Are there grants for low income homeowners?

There is a variety of financial assistance available when it comes to home improvement grants and loans in Georgia. You may be eligible for all kinds of federal, state, county, or city grant programs. There are also non-profit organizations and charities that help families in need, giving priority to low-income families with children, seniors, single parents, people with disabilities, and veterans. As a state, Georgia offers one of the highest levels of support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike.

If you are living in a rural area in Georgia and anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing your home is possible by the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00.

Non-profit organizations such as Southern Crescent Habitat For Humanity offer home repair programs to help residents of Henry, Clayton, and Fayette County. Their A Brush With Kindness Program helps families maintain the exterior of their homes. Home Energy Plus is another available program that can help you with projects such as the replacement of windows, doors, water heaters, installing energy-efficient upgrades, minor roof repairs, minor plumbing repairs, mechanical repairs, etc. Critical Home Repair can help you with projects such as repairing and replacing furnaces and AC, installing security and screen doors, replacing and repairing electrical and plumbing systems, tile flooring, major roof, fascia, and siding repairs, and more.

Fulton County offers two home repair and rehabilitation opportunities for its low to very low-income residents, the Department of Senior Services Minor Home Repair Program and the Community Development Minor Home Repair Program. The Department of Senior Services Minor Home Repair Program provides home repair services to keep seniors age 55 and older in their homes, such as structural issues (doors, windows, ceilings, walls, floors), accessibility modifications (installation of thresholds, ramps, zero-step doorways, repair and installation of grab bars), plumbing repairs, weatherization services, etc. The Community Development Minor Home Repair Program provides financial aid to homeowners regarding housing problems affecting safety and health, such as gas leaks, outdated and hazardous electrical wiring, roof repair/replacement, and plumbing. These programs are available to homeowners whose household income is at least 80% of the area median income. To see if you qualify for the Senior Services program,  please call (404) 613-6000. To see if you qualify for the Community Development Minor Home Repair program, please call 404-612-7193.  Eligible homeowners are added to the interest list on a first-come, first-served basis and assisted based on funding availability.

Special Purpose Home Repair Program is available to residents of DeKalb County seniors aged 62 and above, as well as disabled adults in repairing property conditions that threaten the subsistence of their homes or present threats to health or safety due to hazardous and/or unsanitary conditions. These funds are provided as a deferred payment forgivable loan up to $12,000.00. The program may provide an additional $2,000.00 in handicap accessibility items. The loan is forgiven if the applicant maintains the property as the primary residence for five years. Eligible repairs include heating/cooling system repairs, plumbing system repairs, electrical system repairs, roof replacement or repair, etc. If you need such a program call 404-313-4380 or email sphr@dekalbcountyga.gov or fill out the pre-application card below:

https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/form/dekalb-county-special-purpose-ho

Residents of Cherokee County can get financial aid up to $5,000.00 from its Home Repair Program. The program offers funds to low-income seniors, aged 55 and older, with a household income of 60% of the Area Median Income. Eligible repairs include leaky roofs, plumbing problems, HVAC problems, electrical problems, windows and doors, handicap accessibility, etc. 

The Housing Authority of Clayton County offers a Housing Urgency Grant Program (HUG) to assist local low-income homeowners with home repairs that represent an immediate threat to their health, welfare, or safety. These funds may be used in home improvement projects such as damaged natural gas systems, severe plumbing, electrical, and HVAC units. The maximum amount you may receive is $7,000.00 per homeowner. Applicants must be owner-occupants of the home for at least 12 months, and their total household income mustn’t exceed 50% of the Area Median Income.  

The Gwinnett County Community Development Program Office operates a Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation Program that offers a five-year deferred payment loan to qualifying homeowners with 0% interest. These funds may be used in projects addressing health and safety issues, such as repairs of electrical systems, plumbing systems, roofs, HVAC, and more.

The Hall County Financial Services department operates a Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation Program that offers a five-year deferred payment loan to qualifying homeowners with 0% interest. These funds may be used in projects addressing health and safety issues, such as repairs of electrical systems, plumbing systems, roofs, HVAC, and more.

For more information on this program and the documents and eligibility requirements, call (770) 535-8274.

The City of Marietta offers a Housing Rehabilitation Program. This program is designed to assist low-to-moderate income homeowners with repairs/rehabilitation that are imminent health/safety threats, deferred maintenance problems, or code violations. Depending on income level, age, disability, and housing needs, you may qualify for a one-time grant of up to $10,000.00, a 20- year deferred loan, or a 5-year deferred loan for lead-based paint and asbestos removal. These funds may be used in home improvement projects such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system repair or replacement, exterior doors and window replacements, insulation, electrical rewiring, roofing shingles, and deck replacement, soffits, fascia, boots and caps, gutters, and more. You may use the application below to apply:

https://www.mariettaga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11949/Housing-Rehabilitation-Application-2021

Home improvement grants and loans are offered to low-income homeowners in the City of Savannah for building exterior and site improvements. Home improvement grants offered by the City may range from $2,500.00 to $10,000.00 depending upon the location and size of the house. Grants may be available to eligible homeowners 60 years of age or older and/or to homeowners who have owned and occupied their homes for at least 10 years. Payments on loans by elderly homeowners are made at 0% to 3% interest with no payments during the homeownership. Home improvement loans offered by the City may range from $2,500.00 and $15,000.00 depending upon the location and size of the house.  City home improvement loans are often at 0% interest and have no monthly payments providing the homeowner continues to own and occupy their home. Repairs are generally limited to correcting one or two problems related to roofs, exterior surfaces/components, structure, electrical, plumbing, or heating/cooling systems.  

The City of Riverdale also offers a Rehabilitate, Repair and Reconstruct Home Improvement Grant Program or R3 assistance program to help its low-income residents. This program provides funds up to $10,000.00 that can be used for fixing code violations, repairing electrical wiring fixtures or systems, roofs, porches, foundations, plumbing systems, appliance replacement, repairing and reinstalling windows and doors, handicap or special need upgrades, and removals, etc. If you have questions email communitydevelopment@riverdalega.gov. Or fill out the application provided at the link below:

https://www.riverdalega.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5607/R3App2021

Atlanta Housing, Invest Atlanta, and the City of Atlanta has launched a deferred forgivable loan program that provides up to $70,000.00 in federal funds to eligible Ashview Heights and Atlanta University Center homeowners for exterior health and safety repairs on their home. Funds will be provided in the form of a forgivable loan at a 0% interest rate with payments deferred and forgiven until the earlier of loan maturity, sale, transfer of ownership, or failure to maintain the property as the primary residence during the loan term. 

What are the easiest homeowner grants to get?

The easiest homeowner grants to get are those that have a solid foundation for requesting money, are well-thought-out, have a plan for the future, and are clear and concise in their goals and objectives. To obtain a grant, first, you look for an organization whose goals match what you need to have funded. Second, make sure you meet all the required criteria and you have all the necessary documents. All grants and loans vary by age, income, type, and location. These fundings are primarily available to low-income families, families with children, single parents, senior citizens, disabled people, and veterans.

Keep in mind, there are no “easy” grants to get. There is a reason these funds are only available to people meeting all the required criteria. They are here to help people in need live in homes without code violations and health and safety hazards. If you are in need and eligible for such programs, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. For convenience, search and apply for Georgia home repair grants online. You can start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/offices/ or use the 2-1-1 free telephone service to get informed on services such as a mortgage, rent, and utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, etc.

Can I get a grant to renovate my house?

House renovation grants in Georgia and any other state are available to applicants but ONLY if you needan emergency modification in your home to remove life-threatening health or safety conditions, as well as addressing code violations. You also must meet the required criteria and have all the necessary documents to apply for these funds. Very low and low-income homeowners, low-income families with children, single parents, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities are usually eligible to receive these funds. You can also apply for disaster relief grants if your house is damaged by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. 

In the case of home improvement grants, funds are available to help homeowners renovate their homes, increasing their value or bringing them up to health and safety standards. They can be issued by federal, state, or local governments. For convenience, search and apply for Georgia home repair grants online. You can start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/offices/ or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link:

https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/homeownership/buyingprgms.

HUD offers funding through over 20 programs, including their two main programs: the Community Block Grant Program or CDBG and the HOME Investment Partnership Program. You can find your county or city official site and see if they offer any home improvement programs using these links:

https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/community/cdbg
https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/community/home.

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, United Way 211 is also a great place to start. This is a free, live telephone service available on a 24-hour basis to connect residents to a variety of human services or social services across the state. Depending on your location, you may choose from the six available websites in Georgia:

https://www.ourunitedway.org/ – Northwest Georgia,

https://www.unitedwaynega.org/ – Northeast Georgia,

https://www.unitedwaycg.org/ – Central Georgia, 

https://www.unitedwayatlanta.org/ – Atlanta,

https://unitedwaysega.org/ – Southeast Georgia,

https://www.unitedwayswga.org/ – Southwest Georgia.

Can I get a grant to repair my roof?

Repairing or replacing roofs is an expensive cost, but leaking and damaged roofs can present a hazard for you and your family. All roofs eventually break down and need replacement, no matter the type of material or how well they were maintained. There are several options in which you can get financial aid from federal and state agencies for a complete or partial replacement and repair. As a state, Georgia offers to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Georgia home improvement grants and zero-interest loans are available to low-income homeowners to reduce the cost of their emergency repairs that present safety and health hazards, including problems with roofs. These grants are usually administered at a local level by governments and agencies.

If you are living in a rural area in Georgia and anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing or replacing your roof is possible by the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00.

As a state, Georgia offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Minor roof repairs can be covered by the Home Energy Plus Program, administered by the Southern Crescent Habitat For Humanity, a non-profit organization. Habitat for Humanity affiliate offices can be found all over the state of Georgia. This organization also provides help for major roof repairs through their Critical Home Repair Program. These programs are available to residents of Henry, Clayton, and Fayette Counties.  Fulton County also offers two home repair programs to its residents. The Department of Senior Services Minor Home Repair Program provides financial aid to seniors aged 55 and older. They also provide help to all homeowners with a household income of at least 80% of the area median income through their Community Development Minor Home Repair Program. These funds may be used for a roof repair or a roof replacement. Special Purpose Home Repair Program is available to residents of DeKalb County seniors aged 62 and above, as well as disabled adults in repairing property conditions that threaten the subsistence of their homes or present threats to health or safety. These funds are provided as a deferred payment forgivable loan up to $12,000.00. Residents of Cherokee County can get financial aid up to $5,000.00 from its Home Repair Program. The program offers funds to low-income seniors, aged 55 and older, with a household income of 60% of the Area Median Income.

If you are in need and eligible for such programs to partially or completely cover the cost of your roof repair or roof replacement project, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. For convenience, search and apply for Georgia home repair grants online. You can start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/offices/ or use the 2-1-1 free telephone service to get informed on services such as a mortgage, rent, and utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, etc.

How do I apply for a federal home repair grant?

There are several places you can find available federal home improvement grants. The United States government has 26 agencies in charge of making grants. In addition to federal grants, some states have their own grant programs. Locate and contact your local government office. Government representatives, there will be able to advise you about eligibility requirements and other necessary criteria for applying for a grant. To search or apply for grants, you can also use the free, official website, Grants.gov. First, you have to register an account on this site. Then, you can search their site for their available grants and submit an application.  

Besides meeting the required criteria and applying within the deadline, it is very important to have all the necessary documents. For example, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD provides all kinds of housing support and helps communities. If you live in a rural area, then you might be interested in The Very Low-Income Housing Repair Program – Section 504. Applicants interested in applying for a repair loan or grant can contact their local Rural Development office and provide the following documentation:

The applications are accepted year-round and their approval time depends on funding availability in your area. 

How does HUD mortgage assistance work?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) supports a network of housing counseling agencies throughout the country. These agencies provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, and credit issues. Your options may include a repayment plan, loan modification, short sale, or Deed-In-Lieu of foreclosure. 

The approved housing agencies in Georgia can be found at their site:  

https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=GA

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also funds an Emergency Homeowners Loan Program or EHLP, that provides mortgage help and loans to those homeowners who may be facing foreclosure due to a drop in household income from a job loss, underemployment, or reduction in working hours, involuntary unemployment, or a medical condition or emergency. 

To qualify for this program you must fit certain criteria such as:

  • You must be at least three months behind on their monthly mortgage payment,
  • The home involved must be your primary residence,
  • You must have demonstrated a timely payment record on their mortgage prior to the job loss or medical condition or event that produced the reduction of income for the homeowner.

If you are struggling to make your mortgage payment on your FHA-insured mortgage because of the impacts of COVID-19, you might get help from the Special COVID-19 mortgage relief for homeowners with FHA-insured single-family mortgages. Your mortgage servicer is required to offer you a mortgage payment forbearance, which allows you to reduce or pause making payments for six months, with the option to extend for an additional six months if needed. You must request a COVID-19 Forbearance from your mortgage servicer by June 30, 2021, and no extra fees, penalties, or interest will be added to your account. If you can resume making your payments, FHA’s COVID-19 Standalone Partial Claim takes your past due amounts and puts them in a subordinate lien to be repaid later. You will only repay this lien when your mortgage ends, which, for most borrowers, is when you sell your home or refinance your mortgage.

Is the mortgage relief program legit?

Fannie Mae’s HIRO program and Freddie Mac’s Enhanced Relief Refinance or FMERR are the only active relief programs today. They provide mortgage incentives by replacing your existing loan with a new loan that has a lower interest rate and more affordable payments.

Fannie Mae’s HIRO program can be used only by homeowners whose mortgages are currently owned by Fannie Mae. This program allows homeowners to refinance with no equity or an underwater loan. If your home has lost value since you bought it and you don’t have enough equity to do regular refinance, then this is a great option. You can’t apply to this program if you previously used the Home Affordable Refinance Program or HARP, which was a similar project by Fannie Mae that expired.

Freddie Mac’s Enhanced Relief Refinance program can be used for existing fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages. This program is intended to refinance into a more sustainable mortgage that promotes long-term homeownership success, to reduce the monthly principal and interest payment of your first Lien Mortgage, as well as if you are interested in potentially reducing principal and interest payment. Freddie Mac’s Enhanced Relief Refinance program is only available to homeowners whose mortgages are currently owned by Freddie Mac.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemics, there is also a Covid-19 Mortgage Relief Program. The COVID hardship forbearance applies to all federally backed and federally sponsored mortgages, which includes HUD/FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac mortgage loans. The Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) directed lenders holding federally-backed mortgages to suspend borrowers’ payments for up to a maximum of 360 days if they had experienced financial hardship due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Landlords of multi-family property mortgages can also receive relief. The CARES Act allows a 30-day forbearance for multi-family mortgages, and up to two 30-day extensions. You can apply for forbearance through Sept. 30, 2021, and will not be charged late fees or reported to credit bureaus. 

Is there a grant for rewiring a house?

A home electrical wiring is an expensive cost and you may be eligible for a grant to partially or completely cover the cost. There are several options in which you can get financial aid from federal and state agencies for rewiring your house. Georgia home improvement grants and zero-interest loans are available to low-income homeowners to reduce the cost of their emergency repairs that present safety and health hazards, including problems with the electrical system. These grants are usually administered at a local level by governments and agencies.

As a state, Georgia offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Electrical upgrades can be covered by the Home Energy Plus Program if you are a resident of Henry, Clayton, and Fayette County. This program is administered by the Southern Crescent Habitat For Humanity, a non-profit organization. Another program you may use by this organization is the Critical Home Repair Program. Fulton County also offers two home repair and rehabilitation opportunities for residents, the Department of Senior Services Minor Home Repair Program and the Community Development Minor Home Repair Program. These programs provide financial aid to low and very-low-income homeowners to cover the cost of repairing their outdated and hazardous electrical wiring. Electrical system repairs can also be covered by the Special Purpose Home Repair Program in DeKalb County. This program offers deferred payment forgivable loans to seniors aged 62 and above and people with disabilities. Residents of Cherokee County can get financial aid up to $5,000.00 from its Home Repair Program. The program offers funds to low-income seniors, aged 55 and older, with a household income of 60% of the Area Median Income. 

If you are living in a rural area in Georgia and anywhere in the US, getting help for rewiring your house is possible by the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00.

If you are in need of such programs, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. For convenience, search and apply for Georgia home repair grants online. You can start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/offices/ or use the 2-1-1 free telephone service to get informed on services such as a mortgage, rent, and utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, etc.

What is the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program?

People in Georgia, affected by the Covid 19 crisis may use the State Home Mortgage Assistance Program. This program offers temporary relief by allowing you to pay reduced, or suspended payments for a brief time, depending on your individual situation, along with protection from late fees and negative credit reporting. If you are in need of such a program, call  1-800-781-8346 or email SHMCovid19help@dca.ga.gov.

The State of Georgia also received funds from the U.S. Treasury’s Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program to provide financial aid to individuals, families, and landlords whose finances have been negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be used to bring past due rent and utility payments. 

What is a request for mortgage assistance?

A Request for Mortgage Assistance or RMA is the application you have to fill out to be considered for a mortgage loan modification. With a mortgage modification, you can permanently change one or more terms of your mortgage loan. This includes getting a lower interest rate, some or all late fees and charges may be waived or reduced, your interest rate may be changed from an adjustable-rate loan to a fixed rate, the months or years the homeowner has to repay the loan may be lengthened, total loan principal may be reduced, as well as your second mortgage or equity loan could be waived.

https://www.hmpadmin.com/portal/programs/docs/hamp_borrower/rma_english_sd1110.pdf

This form requires detailed information about the borrower’s current financial situation. The information provided will allow the mortgage lender to determine the filer’s eligibility for mortgage assistance. This form includes your current income, debts, expenses, employment, bankruptcies, and other issues that will help the lender determine if you are eligible for mortgage assistance.

In the USA, modifications were made under the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program or HAMP.  

To qualify for this program you must have fit certain criteria such as:

  • You are having trouble making your mortgage payments because of financial hardship,
  • You obtained your mortgage on or before January 1, 2009,
  • Your property has not been condemned,
  • You owe up to $728,750.00 on your primary residence or one to four-unit rental property.

Who can get a home improvement grant?

Low and moderate-income families, seniors, veterans, single parents, disabled people, people impacted by Covid 19, as well as people impacted by natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods can get home improvement grants or zero-interest loans. You can apply to these federal, state, or local grants and loans, charities, community agencies, and nonprofit organizations and get the help you need. Each home improvement grant comes with its own set of requirements, but most require that you be the homeowner and use the property as your primary residence. A big part of the eligibility to these programs is also the income. Assistance will usually be provided to families or individuals who are living in occupied single-family homes, or mobile homes and whose combined total household annual income does not exceed certain income thresholds. 

These grant programs are primarily directed at low-income homeowners who might not be approved by a bank for funding. Eligibility requirements vary by the grant. For the most part, grants will have requirements depending on the homeowner’s income, their location,need an and the projects the money can be used on. Determining your eligibility for federal grants is an important first step in the federal grant application process. 

To search or apply for grants, use the free, official website, Grants.gov. The National Residential Improvement Association also has a form on its website where you can find programs you may be eligible for, https://nria.org/application/. Another way you can start is by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office

https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/offices/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *