Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland’s Critical Home Repair service helps low-income homeowners make needed repairs so they can live in a safe, healthy, and affordable home. This program is part of a Habitat for Humanity’s nation-wide effort to serve homeowners who are affected by age, disability or family circumstances and struggle to maintain the integrity of their homes.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland recognizes that new home construction is only a part of the solution for quality, affordable housing. The Critical Home Repair program is part of our broader community development strategy to transform and strengthen communities. It not only addresses the health, safety and affordability of the individual residences in neighborhoods, it also strengthens connections within the community and helps preserve affordable housing stock.
How it Works
The Critical Home Repair program requires an affordable payment from the homeowner for a portion of the repair costs. Applicants will be scored and ranked by level of need. Not all applications will be approved. This program serves homeowners in Cumberland County who have a household income below 80% of HUD Area Median Income.
Examples of Work to be Done
- Roof leaks
- Accessibility issues, ramps, etc.
- Stair repairs
- Structural work, not to include foundations
Work We Will Not Do
- Mobile or modular homes (except ramps)
- General cosmetic repairs, including but not limited to: flooring, painting, carpentry, etc.
- Window replacement
- Bathroom renovations or repair (only for accessibility)
Program Outline
Homeowners will apply by a deadline, and will need to demonstrate:
- A household incomes at or below 80% of HUD median income
- A Tax Assessment Building Value less than $200,000. They have paid their property taxes on time
- They are current on their mortgage
- They must own (name on title) and occupy the home and have lived in the home for over three years
- Willingness for Habitat to conduct a credit check and background check on all residents over age 18
Scope, Costs, and Payments
Habitat will review the home for needed repairs and prepare a scope of work and price recommendation. Families will pay only a portion of the actual costs of materials and sub-contracted in-kind labor, based on their income. For example, if the materials and contracted labor are $6000, the family’s income as a percentage of Area Median Income will be the percentage of costs they pay. For example, a family of four making 30% of AMI ($23,000) will repay only 30% of repairs, or $1800. A family making $46,000 will repay 60% of repairs. Habitat will donate the balance of the project costs. Payment terms may be available.
For More Information and to Apply
Contact Molly Brake at molly@habitatme.org / 207-772-2151 ext. 104 or visit the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland’s Critical Home Repair website