About the program:

The Home Repair Program offered by Housing Assistance provides home repairs for people of low income in Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania Counties. The program is administered by the Housing Assistance Corporation in partnership with other service providers. In 2021, Housing Assistance served 83 individuals and made 292 repairs. 

What types of repairs does the program offer?

The Home Repair Program will only make repairs that eliminate health and safety hazards. Cosmetic repairs are not eligible. Examples of eligible repairs include, but are not limited to:

• Ramps

• Grab bars

• Leaking faucets

• Roof leaks

• Floor Repair

• Minor plumbing repairs

• Water heater replacement

• Steps and handrails

• Fall prevention modifications

Who makes the repairs?

The repairs are completed by a combination of Housing Assistance staff, volunteers, and paid subcontractors. 

Who is eligible for home repairs?

You are eligible for the Home Repair Program if:

• You are a homeowner.

• You live in the home for which you are requesting repairs and own no other.

• The household gross annual income does not exceed 50% of the areas median income.

• You have no other source or means to pay for repairs.

• Veterans providing a DD Form 214.

Are there any costs?

There is no mandatory cost to the homeowner to participate. However, if you are able to contribute to help pay for materials or labor, your monetary contribution will help stretch the Home Repair Program dollars so more homes can be repaired. 

What documents are required?

In order to verify information for your application please bring the following documentation for each household member, if applicable:

• Proof of income from all sources:

  • Benefits letter for SSI, SS, Pension

  • 12 Months of wage history

  • Child Support payments received

  • Disability payments received

• Proof of home ownership, such as:

  • Deed in your name

  • Copy of the title in your name

  • Current property tax bill in your name

• If you own a mobile home on a rental lot:

  • You need a notarized letter from the lot owner giving permission to perform tasks that might impact their property, such as building a ramp. The letter also needs to state the location of septic or utility lines.

The Housing Assistance Corporation is an outside loan application packager for the USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants. Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this provides loans to very low income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes. Grants are available to elderly very low income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards.

 How much money can I get?

• Maximum loan amount is $40,000.00.

• Maximum grant amount is $10,000.00.

• Loans and grants can be combined for up to $50,000.00 in assistance.

• To be eligible for the grant, you must be 62 or older and not be able to repay a repair loan.

To qualify for the 504 Home Repair program, you must:

• Be the homeowner and occupy the house.

• Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere.

• Have a household income that does not exceed the “very low” limit by county.

• The home must be on permanent foundation.

What are the terms of the loan and grant offered by the Section 504 Home Repair program?

• Loans are termed 20 years with a fixed interest rate of 1 percent.

• Full title service is required if the total outstanding balance on Section 504 loans is greater than $25,000.00.

• Grants have a lifetime limit of $10,000.00.

• Grants must be repaid if the property is sold in less than 3 years.

• If applicants can repay part, but not all of the costs, applicants may be offered a loan and grant combination.

How can I apply?

We are taking information and inquires for our waiting list. Click the button below to fill out our inquiry form. If you have questions about the form or our program, contact us by filling out the form to the right, emailing stefanie@housing-assistance.com, or calling (828) 692-4744 ext. 107. You can also stop by our office during business hours, Monday through Thursday. In order to qualify for the program, you must own a home, you must meet the income requirements, and the repairs requested must be a health or safety hazard. 

Our home repair program is for residents of Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania Counties, NC, ONLY.

Need More Info?

Fill out the form below to message the Home Repair Coordinator, Stefanie Kompathoum, or call her at (828) 692-4744 ext. 107