Habitat for Humanity now accepting applications for home repair loans

By Sara Beth Williams–
In an effort to help low-income families avoid displacement and stay in affordable homes, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento is now accepting applications for home repair loans from Sacramento and Yolo County residents.

According to the organization’s website, up to $100,000 is available per household, and deferred zero-percent interest 20-to-30-year loan options are available.

Loans for home repairs can be applied to general repairs, such as roof repairs, solar installation, electrical system upgrades, HVAC plumbing, flooring and window replacement, mold and pest abatement, water heater repair, siding, and more. Loans can also be applied to accessibility and safety upgrades such as the addition of ramps, bathroom modifications, and so on. Mobile homes are also eligible for repairs.

The home repair loans are issued through the organization’s Neighborhood Revitalization and Home Repair program and are designed help “respond to the housing crisis in California” by addressing health, safety, and accessibility concerns in homes opened by low-income families, elderly residents, and veterans.

“By fixing the long-deferred maintenance projects, critical repairs, and code violations, we help families stay in their already affordable homes,” the organization stated online.

To qualify for the program, an applicant must meet the three following program requirements: Applicants must own and occupy the home as a primary residence, must be willing to partner with Habitat by contributing sweat equity hours towards the repair project, and must have the ability to pay 20 percent of the total repair cost.

Additionally, applicants’ gross annual income must fall below the maximum income based on household size as specified by the HUD income limits, which can be found on Habitat for Humanity’s website. A family of four must have a maximum household income of under $94,300.

Interested residents can download an application online in four different languages at habitatgreatersac.org/homerepair. Applications can be returned by mail or by email.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento is also planning a new housing project on Sayonara Drive in Citrus Heights. In August, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the development project.

Applications for home loans for the project on Sayonara are not yet available on the organization’s website. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento CEO Leah Miller anticipates applications for housing will open in the beginning of 2025.

Homeowners will be required to commit to 500 hours of service helping build the home through the period of construction. The project will be phased over a three-year period, with infrastructure anticipated to begin in the fall of 2024. Construction of homes could begin as early as April 2025.