HOME PRESERVATION PROGRAM
Our Home Preservation Program is designed to address the repair needs of residences within our service area: Hall, Howard, Hamilton, and Merrick counties. Our goal is to help empower people to live better and longer in their own homes. We are accepting applications for this program all year long.
Eligible Properties
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Owner-occupied homes, including manufactured homes with foundations aged 20 years or less, may be eligible.
Property Requirements
• Owner(s) must have clear title to property.
• Residence must be located within service area.
• Property taxes and insurance must be current.
• Residence must be owner-occupied and not an income-producing property.
Applicant(s)
• Must have stable, legal income
• Income must fall within 30% to 80% of median income for the area, as defined by HUD.
• Must be able to make monthly payments
• Must have satisfactory credit
• Must be willing to complete 8 hours of “sweat equity” volunteer hours with GIAHFH and participate in homeowner education classes
Eligible Repairs Include:
• HVAC systems
• Roof repair or replacement
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Window and door replacement
• Siding
• Driveways and sidewalk repair
• Porches and exterior steps
• Accessibility issues
Repairs Not Covered:
• Basic painting
• Carpet or flooring replacement
• Remodels or renovations
• Cosmetic repairs
The Application Process
Step 1: Apply
Since the application period for our Home Preservation Program is always open, you can stop by our office during business hours for more information or request an application. Once an application is fully completed, it is submitted to our Family Selection Committee for review.
Step 2: Committee Review
The Family Selection Committee is responsible for reviewing all our applications. They select qualifying applicants based on three basic areas:
• Need for critical home repair
• Ability to pay an affordable loan payment
• Willingness to partner with Habitat
The selection process involves reviews of the completed application, credit and reference checks, an Environmental Review of the home, and determination of needs. Unfortunately, Habitat cannot approve every homeowner who applies or qualifies. Qualifying applicants who are not selected may reapply at a later date.
Step 3: Approval
Approval depends on availability of financing based upon service area, the cost of the project will be determined based on the cost to purchase building materials, the cost of professional services, and facilitation and administration fees. The applicant will then be issued a no-interest loan to cover all or a portion of the determined amount. Professional contractors will be notified to begin the project. Loan payments will be due upon project completion and will run for a pre-determined amount of time until the loan is paid in full.