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Loading...Indiana has over 152 approved home improvement grants, home repairs grants and home upgrade programs available to low income homeowner families and individuals (most programs are based on income). This article provides you with all the main home repair programs offered throughout the state in 2023.
Who provide home improvement grants in Indiana?
There are 4 main sources of financial assistance for home improvement and repair in Indiana:
- 1- Federal Programs : HUD (Housing and Urban Development) is the Federal housing agency providing programs and funds to the State, its Counties and Cities.
- 2- State programs : Indiana’s Housing Finance Authority has a program to help with home improvements.
- 3- Local programs: Community Organizations provide repair programs to certain homeowners.
- 4- Rural programs: are for people living outside of a major city in a rural area and are offered by the USDA.
- 5- Counties and cities programs : are the organizations offering funds and programs to help Indiana homeowners with home repair, home rehabilitation and home improvement.
You can review the Federal and the State of Indiana home repair grants but ultimately your county and city are the ones you need to contact and where you apply for funding.
Who is eligible for government home improvement grant?
Every homeowner is eligible for home improvement and repairs grants and assistance in Indiana (find them all in this article). In reality, because the needs are so big, some groups like seniors, veterans, disabled and low-income households are given priority. Even if you’re in those groups, you need to apply as soon as possible because funds are limited.
So it’s often first arrived on a first served basis: apply early.
Each programs have their own eligibility, so you need to verify with programs in your area to see info you meet the income eligibility level.
Which home improvement & repair are covered?
In general, Indiana’s have repair and improvement help with:
- – Ensure your home does not harm the residents’ health.
- – Ensure your home structure is sound and may not hurt its resident.
- – Help seniors and disabled residents stay in their homes longer and safer.
More precisely the following work and repair are usually covered by home improvement grants programs:
- – Roof: Government grants for free roof replacement or repair. See also our Guide to Roof Repairs.
- – Windows & doors: Florida window replacement program info is right below. We have also a Homeowners Guide for Windows Replacement
- – Foundations: Foundation repair grants and programs usually covers home foundation repairs.
- – Electrical & plumbing : Grants for electrical repair and plumbing assistance repairs are covered as long as they bring your home electrical and plumbing up to the local code.
- – Heating & cooling: Some States and Counties have heating grants and cooling programs to bring your system up to living standards.
- – Lead paints & pipes plus asbestos: Most programs cover the removal and change of lead and asbestos materials dangerous to your health.
- – Sewers and water line: Most home improvement grant programs cover funds to have your home connected to your town water and sewer system and in other cases to your well or septic tank.
- – Home structure: In some cases, if your home structure is no longer safe, programs will help with fixing the home structural problems. Note: in some cases the cost may be too high to fix and another program can help get a new one.
- – Home remodeling: In some cases a home can be remodeled if they need major repairs as long as the cost is not prohibitive. Since the total amount vary by program you have to verify on this page for programs in your area.
- – Bathroom remodeling: Some programs let you remodel a bathroom in order to bring them to sanitary and health standard.
- – Home modifications for seniors: There are multiple programs to modify seniors’ homes to help them living longer independently at home. Common modification are ramps, handle bars, bathrooms modification and kitchen are adaptations. You can find those resources in our resource for senior home modifications.
Confused about home improvement programs terms?
It can be confusing to understand the terms. Lots of different organizations have different words for the same type of help programs: home improvement grant, home repair grants, programs, free grants, relief service, repair assistance, etc.
They are all synonyms of programs designed to help low and moderate income homeowners repair and fix important element of their house.
What are the types of home improvement help in Indiana?
Home repair programs comes in many form but they are usually in the 5 types:
Home Repair Grants & Home Improvement Grants: Typically grants don’t need to be repaid. The organization providing the funding covers the cost of the work and you don’t pay anything back.
Volunteers and charities home repairs: Some organizations rely on volunteers to repair your home so there’s no cost to you.
Home improvement loans: These are traditional loans where you have to repay a fixed amount monthly but they are usually with a lower than normal interest rate.
Home improvement loans paid at term: It’s a traditional loan paid back in full only when you leave or sell your home. This means you have nothing to pay monthly. The organization offering these loans usually takes a lien on your home to be certain to be paid in the future.
Forgivable home improvement loans: It’s a traditional loan but you do have to pay it back monthly. Instead after a few years the organization forgives your loan.
Note: In some rare cases you may find yourself with a mix of the types above. In all cases the important thing is you get help to fix your home and keep it secured and a place for you to live in a safe and healthy home.
HUD (Urban Housing Department) (1 program)
HUD is the federal agency providing help and funding to Indiana’ Housing agencies, Counties and Cities. HUD have many programs from home buyer help, renter help, homeowners funding for home repairs and improvements, among many programs.
State of Indiana (3 programs)
The state have a few programs to help homeowner repair their home. You can find them below.
Indiana Finance Authority (0 program)
Indiana Finance Authority (AHA) does not offer direct home repair or improvement programs to homeowners contrary to most other states housing authorities. Some of it funding goes to local housing authorities for home repair programs. Resident have can look into their county or city, local organizations or rural area resources to find home repair help.
IHCDA (1 program)
Healthy Homes: This programs helps homeowners health hazards in their home. See latest program document (pdf) then if you find yourself eligible, you can download the program form (pdf).
Indiana Emergency & Disaster (DHS) (many resources)
Indiana DHS have a list of resources when you have been affected by a disaster. Most of the programs are federal programs.
FEMA (10s of resources)
When the Federal Agency FEMA declare some area(s) of Indiana a disaster area, the area’s residents can then apply for financial aid.
You can find if your area is declared a disaster area by FEMA then if it is, claim disaster assistance with the federal government. If you’re impacted by a disaster, you may be able to claim housing, financial, food, medical, etc.
SBA (4 programs)
Indiana WAP & LIHEAP (2 programs)
WAP
Weatherization Assistant Program (WAP) is funded by the Federal but managed locally. It helps improve or change windows for energy efficient ones at no cost. It also pay for attic insulation and ventilation, repair or replace broken heating, cooling and water heaters, as well as many other small work to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Types of assistance:
- – Address air infiltration with weather stripping, caulking, thresholds, minor repairs to walls, ceilings and floors, and window and door replacement
- – Install attic and floor insulation.
- – Install attic ventilation.
- – Apply solar reflective coating to manufactured homes.
- – Install solar screens.
- – Repair or replace inefficient heating and cooling units.
- – Repair or replace water heaters.
Find the program detail and also find on the map which local organization you can apply directly .
LIHEAP
This program is called Energy Assistance Program (EAP) in Indiana. It is mostly to help pay your heating and cooling cost but it may also help fix, repair or replace broken windows for energy efficient ones.
Find more info about the program eligibility or see on the page map your closest agency managing the program.
Indiana Rural Residents (1 program)
The USDA provide home improvement loans and government grants to low-income homeowners in Indiana’s rural areas.
Who may apply for this program? To qualify, you must:
- – Be the homeowner and occupy the house.
- – Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere.
- – Have a family income below 50 percent of the area median income.
- – For grants, be age 62 or older and not be able to repay a repair loan.
What is an eligible area?
Applicants may check the address of their home to determine eligibility.
How may funds be used?
Loans may be used to repair, improve or modernize housing or remove health and safety hazards.
Grants must be used to remove health and safety hazards.
How much money can I get?
- – Maximum loan is $20,000
- – Maximum grant is $7,500
- – Loans and grants can be combined for up to $27,500 in payment assistance
What are the terms of the loan or grant?
- – Loans can be repaid over 20 years
- – Loan interest rate is fixed at 1%
- – Full title service is required for loans of $7,500 or more
- – Grants have a lifetime limit of $7,500
- – 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
Is there a deadline to apply?
Applications for this program are accepted through your local USDA’s RD office all year round.
How long does an application take?
Approval times depend on funds availability in your area.
Seniors and Elderly Help for Home Repairs (many programs)
There are official elderly home repair assistance in Indiana but they are not only for seniors. Seniors, just like all Hoosiers, are eligible to the same home improvement programs listed on this page.
You can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find local programs for seniors home repairs and home modifications.
You can also find home modifications resources for seniors
Local Community Organizations (97 programs)
Community Action Agencies (22 resources)
The CAA have 22 local organisations helping with weatherization, LIHEAP plus home repair and home rehabilitation.
Habitat for Humanity (50 programs)
With 50 local organizations in Indiana, Habitat provide help to low income, disable and elderly homeowners to fix their home. Find and contact your local Habitat organization.
Restore (20 resources)
There are 20 Restores in Indiana providing discounted used and surplus building materials, plus appliances and furniture at lower cost.
Rebuilding Together (5 programs)
The non-profit Rebuilding Together have 5 local chapters in the State to help low-income homeowners with home repair and home modifications.
Veterans home repair & modifications (1 program)
The State does not have a specific program for veterans’ home repairs. That said, veterans can often have their homes repaired or modified by organization like Habitat for Humanity.
Veterans Affairs (1 program)
Cashout refinance: The VA offer veterans loans to help pay for home improvements and repairs.
Indiana Counties and Cities Programs (33 programs)
Some Indiana counties have approved home repair and government grant programs and most major cities also have similar help for homeowners. You can find most of them below.
If you don’t see your county or city below you should contact its housing or community affair department directly and ask them if the city have a home repair program. If you live in a rural area you can be eligible to the USDA home repair programs.
Marion County (0 program)
No official county program. You should look into the State programs, local organizations and rural programs.
Indianapolis (4 programs)
Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity (1 program)
Home Repair Loan: Financial assistance to eligible homeowners is in the form of a 0% interest, partial repayment loan based on the homeowner’s income.
Eligible repairs:
-
- – Roofing and gutter repair
- – Sidewalk, porch, and patio repair
- – Accessibility
- – Siding repair and replacement
- – Window repair and replacement
- – Insulation
- – HVAC replacement and repair, including furnaces and water heaters.
Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (1 program)
Home repair loans: The program offers 3 types of loans: Repairs, Modifications, Improvements.
Southeast Neighborhood Development (1 program)
Home Repair: Contact the organization to find out about what can be done for your home and what are their funding options (cost for you).
NeighborLink Indianapolis (1 program)
Home Repair: The program provides FREE home repairs to low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities who own their home within Marion County, Indiana.
Repairs offered:
- – Accessibility & Safety Repairs/Modifications: Handrails, grab bars, lock replacements, door issues, wood-frame window repairs Citations from Marion County Public Health Department
- – Drain Cleaning Services: Clearing of sinks, toilets, and sewer lines
- – Electrical Repairs: Switch, light, outlet replacement, porch light repair/replacement, small electrical issues
- – Exterior Repairs: Siding, deteriorated wood trim, soffit repair
- – Floors/Walls/Ceilings: Case-by-case basis on limited repairs
- – Gutter Repair or Replacement and Cleaning: First story only gutter replacement/repair/cleaning
- – HVAC: Furnace repairs, replacement, duct repairs
- – Interior Cleaning: Trash removal and disposal (case-by-case)
- – Painting: Exterior painting of exposed wood for weatherization, first story only
- – Plumbing: Pipe leaks, toilet repairs/replacements, water heater, faucet repairs/replacement
- – Roof Repairs: Shingle Replacement, flashing, small roof repairs
- – Yard Clean-Up: Major trash or vegetation cleanup, collapsed structure removal, large-scale yard work
Lake County (3 programs)
SHIP Home Rehabilitation & Replacement: Program is designed to aid low-income homeowners with housing problems that pose a serious threat to the health and safety or welfare of the household.
Northwest Indiana Community Action (1 program)
Weatherization Assistance: Program provides improvements, such as air-sealing and adding insulation to reduce home energy use.
Hammers for Hope (1 program)
The organization provides free and low-cost home repairs and upgrades to those in need. The program is designed to assist seniors, low-income individuals, and families, and people with disabilities by making minor home repairs to improve comfort and safety.
The program is designed to assist with short-term repair projects under $5,000 in materials and labor.
Examples of repairs:
- – Painting
- – Weatherproofing and insulation
- – Minor carpentry
- – Electrical
- – Plumbing repairs
- – Installation of wheelchair ramps
Allen County (3 programs)
No official county program. You should look into the State programs, local organizations and rural programs.
Fort Wayne (3 programs)
HVAC : Homeowner Repair Heating/Air Conditioning Loan program open on August 15, 2023, and remain open until funds are all used. Program provides 0% interest ten-year monthly payback mortgage loans for heating/air conditioning replacement projects.
Roof: Program is currently closed. Verify when it will re-open again.
Accessibility Modifications: Program is currently closed. Verify when it will re-open again.
Hamilton County (0 program)
No official county program. You should look into the State programs, local organizations and rural programs.
Carmel (0 program)
No official city program. You should look into the State programs, local organizations.
Fishers (0 program)
No official city program. You should look into the State programs, local organizations.
St. Joseph County (2 programs)
Rebuilding Together St. Joseph County (1 program)
The organization helps homeowners repair their homes. Since the program is very popular, it starts taking applications in August for the following year.
South Bend (1 program)
Home Repair: The program’s eligible repairs for homes ONLY include a new roof and/or furnace. The final determination of eligible repairs will be based on a required program inspection.
Funds are used quickly so be ready to apply asap when the program opens in 2024. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis until all applications are processed or until all available funds are committed, whichever occurs first.
Elkhart County (3 programs)
Builders of Hope (1 program)
This organization assists homeowners in Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties who lack the means to make the needed repairs to their houses.
Work can include:
- – Interior repairs making homes more handicap accessible
- – Building handicap accessible ramps
- – Re-shingling roofs
- – Replacing windows and entry doors
- – Replacing or repainting siding
- – Replacing soffit and fascia
- – Replacing HVAC systems and water heaters
- – General property clean up
- – Variety of small handyman projects
Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County (2 programs)
Home Repair: Program assists low-income households with minor home maintenance and repairs and enables people to live and age safely in their own homes.
Homeowners will contribute sweat equity based on the scope of the project and 10% of the project budget at the time the agreement contract is signed.
Eligible projects include:
- – Weatherization
- – Door and window
- – Siding repairs
- – Trim repair and replacement
- – Leaky faucets
- – Replace toilet seals
- – Handrail installation
- – Gutter/siding cleaning
- – Fence repair
- – Debris removal
- – Minor repairs
Ramp Building: Program builds wheelchair accessible ramps for people living in Elkhart County. Applicants must own and live in their home and have current homeowner’s insurance.
More information for all programs.
Tippecanoe County (2 programs)
No official county program. You should look into the State programs, local organizations and rural programs.HomesteadCS (2 programs)
Home Repair Grants: The program can help you get, among other home items, a new roof, furnace, or energy-efficient windows. Home Repair Grants are available to correct health and safety issues.
Money is limited on a state level and usually becomes available in March. There is a non-refundable $175 application fee, plus closing costs once your grant is approved. Maximum assistance available is $7,500 per household.
Senior home assistance repair: Program provides home repairs to seniors and disabled individuals to assist them in maintaining a safe, accessible, and sanitary environment. A one-time application fee of $45.00 is the only cost to the homeowner.
Eligible repairs:
- – Furnace/Air Conditioning
- – Roof Repair
- – Hot Water Heater Replacement
- – Sewer Line Cleanout
- – Gutter Repair
- – Grab Bar Installation
- – Handrail Installation
- – Bathroom Modification
Hendricks County (1 program)
Community Action of Greater Indianapolis (1 program)
Weatherization: The program’s goal is to remediate safety issues associated with household appliances (stoves, water heaters, and furnaces) and to improve the energy efficiency of homes, which, in turn, reduces the energy cost to the household.
Vanderburgh County (4 programs)
No official county program. You should look into the State programs, local organizations and rural programs.Evansville (4 programs)
Community One (2 programs)
Home repairs: The program can replace a roof, repair an HVAC system, build a ramp, or support a major home repair.
Whole-house rehabs: The program restores places for people if a home is vacant, abandoned, or in bad shape.
Community Action Program of Evansville (CAPE) (1 program)
Owner Occupied Rehab: Program’s goal is to increase energy efficiency, minimize ongoing maintenance for homeowners, and preserve homes.
Homeowners need to be current on their mortgage, home insurance, and property taxes and income qualify in accordance with Housing & Urban Development (HUD) requirements.
MEMORIAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (1 program)
Emergency Home Repair: The program helps you get fast and effective repairs for your home. If you meet the income eligibility requirements, you can get professional contractors, electricians, and plumbers to make repairs in a timely manner.
Porter County (3 programs)
No official county program. You should look into the State programs, local organizations and rural programs.Porter County ACS (2 programs)
Home repair: The program can help with housing repair expenses.
Home Improvement Assistance: The city Community Development has funds to help selected homeowners with urgent home repairs or modification.
NeighborLink (1 program)
Home Repair: The program sends volunteers to repair submissions made to them.
Johnson County (2 programs)
No official county program. You should look into the State programs, local organizations and rural programs.City of Franklin (2 programs)
Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation: The program is a grant, up to $10,000, requires no payback as long as the homeowner continues to own and occupy the residence as his/her primary residence during the affordability commitment of the grant.
Franklin Development Corporation (1 program)
Residential Rehabilitation: The program is a revolving Loan and Grant but has very little information available online. You need to contact the organization to learn more.
Monroe County (1 program)
Home Improvement (HIP): The program provides grants and loans to income-eligible homeowners for home repairs and improvements in the suburban towns and villages.
Depending upon household income and the cost of needed repairs, you may qualify for a grant up to $20,000. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligible repairs include:
- – Structural (roof, foundation, windows, exterior paint or siding)
- – Major systems (plumbing, heating or electrical)
- – Accessibility accommodations (ramps, lifts, doorways, bathrooms).
Bloomington (1 program)
Emergency Home Repair: The program is a grant to improve the safety and habitability of a home for qualified homeowners within the City of Bloomington.
Madison County (0 program)
No official county program. You should look into the State programs, local organizations and rural programs.
City of Anderson (1 program)
Homeowner-Occupied Assistance: The program allows homeowners to submit requests for assistance.
Very few guidelines exist, but you can see if the program is still active and how long it may take to receive funding.
Clark County (0 program)
No official county program. You should look into the State programs, local organizations and rural programs.
Delaware County (2 programs)
Home Savers of Delaware County (1 program)
Their program makes urgent repairs and accessibility improvements for low-income homeowners in Delaware County.
Focus is on homeowners who have been living without heat, have their sewer backing up, or can’t get out of the house without falling.
Work examples:
- – Build ramps, steps, and porches
- – Repair and replace furnaces
- – Fix sewer lines and plumbing leaks
- – Replace roofs (the waiting list is long)
- – Change bathtubs to showers
Muncie Habitat for Humanity (1 program)
Critical Home Repair: Program helps with repairs related to health, life, safety issues, or code violations.
Examples include roofs, furnaces, water heaters, etc.
LaPorte County (2 programs)
Neighborhood Improvement: LaPorte’s Urban Enterprise Association has a program to assist homeowners residing within the boundaries of the Enterprise Zone.
The program funds 90% of exterior repairs to homes with the homeowner contributing 10% of the cost. Total project costs shall not exceed $10,000 per home.
Community Development Block Grant: The program funds projects having urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community, and other financial resources are not available to meet such needs.
Vigo County (0 program)
No official county program. You should look into the State programs, local organizations and rural programs.