habitat home repair program overview
Through our Home Repair Program, we offer affordable financing to homeowners in Sheboygan County who meet our program qualifications. We then complete repairs or coordinate subcontractors to complete repairs as outlined in our contract with a homeowner. This program provides benefits to homeowners and the community. Homeowners benefit from an affordable home repair option and an improvement in their quality of life at home while the community benefits from the redevelopment of neighborhoods and the maintenance of housing stock. Our Home Repair Program is not a handout, but rather, a hand up. Homeowners spend “sweat equity” hours helping with their repair (to the extent that they are able to), pay a down payment and repay a loan. Repair projects are made affordable through volunteer labor, in-kind partnerships and the affordable financing provided by Habitat.
how to qualify for the habitat home repair program:
Individuals and families interested in the Habitat Home Repair Program must meet our program qualifications which include: need, ability to pay and willingness to partner. Each of these qualifications are outlined below.
Need for a Repair
The home must have a necessary need for repair and be owner-occupied as the primary residence of the applicant(s). Below is a list of items that qualify under need for a repair. This list is not all-inclusive.
Ability to Pay
Ability to pay is determined through the information provided on the application, pay stubs, benefit statements, previously filed federal tax returns, and credit reports. Applicants must have a steady, reliable source of income and demonstrate financial responsibility.
The applicant’s gross income must fall between 15-80% of the median income for Sheboygan County, as outlined below. Income from all wages, SSI, SSDI, housing assistance, retirement, alimony, VA benefits, child support, etc. will be included in calculating gross income. All persons who are listed on the deed of the property must disclose their income.
Need for a Repair
The home must have a necessary need for repair and be owner-occupied as the primary residence of the applicant(s). Below is a list of items that qualify under need for a repair. This list is not all-inclusive.
- Roof/Shingles (approaching end of life, torn, missing, soft spots on decking, holes on roof, code violation)
- Electrical System (missing/broken outlets or switches, panel incapable of load, exposed wiring, code violation)
- Plumbing System (leakage or cracked pipes, no continuous water supply, broken/missing fixtures, code violation)
- HVAC System (approaching end of life, dirty or faulty central heating or air conditioning equipment, code violation)
- Interior Floors, Walls, Ceilings, Cabinets & Woodwork (missing plaster/drywall, water damage, broken/non-repairable cabinets or vanities, missing/loose/cracked trim, code violation)
- Porch, Exterior Steps & Railings (maintenance needed, loose/missing boards, uneven surface, code violation)
- Siding, Windows & Exterior Doors (chipping/faded paint, siding/trim repair, broken jams/hinges or missing hardware, windows/doors that don’t work, window/door screens in need of repair, safety issue, code violation)
- Grade/landscape, Gutters & Downspouts (pooling water by house, bushes/trees overgrown, clogged gutters, loose hanging gutters, broken connections, non-existent gutters, missing downspouts, code violation)
- Sheds, Fences & Garages (code violation for a shed, fence or garage in need of repair or removal)
- Aging in Place/ADA Accommodations (ramp to enter home, grab bars inside home, lever style hardware inside home)
- Other NEEDED repairs or code violations
Ability to Pay
Ability to pay is determined through the information provided on the application, pay stubs, benefit statements, previously filed federal tax returns, and credit reports. Applicants must have a steady, reliable source of income and demonstrate financial responsibility.
- Family can afford to pay the monthly loans payments for the repair and other financial obligations they have
- Applicants must NOT have filed for bankruptcy within the past 6 months
- Applicants must NOT have outstanding collections, liens or judgements
- Applicants must NOT be in the process of foreclosure
- Family can afford a down payment prior to the repair being completed
The applicant’s gross income must fall between 15-80% of the median income for Sheboygan County, as outlined below. Income from all wages, SSI, SSDI, housing assistance, retirement, alimony, VA benefits, child support, etc. will be included in calculating gross income. All persons who are listed on the deed of the property must disclose their income.
Willingness to Partner
Homeowner(s) must be willing to become active partners by working alongside volunteers or engaging in another more suitable activity as agreed upon with Habitat staff. Sweat equity assignments and total hours required will be contingent upon the scope of work. Home Repair Partner Families must be willing to make a conscious effort to be a good neighbor and represent Habitat in positive manner within the community.
Homeowner(s) must be willing to become active partners by working alongside volunteers or engaging in another more suitable activity as agreed upon with Habitat staff. Sweat equity assignments and total hours required will be contingent upon the scope of work. Home Repair Partner Families must be willing to make a conscious effort to be a good neighbor and represent Habitat in positive manner within the community.
how to get an application for the home repair program:
- To get an application for our Home Repair Program, you must attend an informational meeting. Right now, our informational meetings are being held virtually via telephone or Google Meet.
- Our 2020 application period is currently open and will remain open as funding allows.
- Individuals or families interested in applying must call our Director of Homeowner Services, Karina Berdyck at 920-458-3399 ext. 305 to schedule a time for a 45 minute informational meeting. Following the meeting you will receive an application to take home with you.
- The ReStore will not hand out applications. Our office will not hand out applications. You must attend a meeting to get an application.
