Michigan have over 113 home improvement grants and home repairs grants available to low income homeowners. This article provides you with all the main free home repair grants programs offered throughout the state in 2023.
Updated: June 27, 2023
There are 3 main sources of financial assistance for free home repair grants in Michigan:
You can review the Federal and the State of Michigan home repair grants but ultimately your county and city are the one you need to contact and where you apply for funding.
In general all homeowners are eligible to home improvement and repairs grants and assistance in Michigan (find them in this article). In reality, because the needs are so big, some groups like seniors, veterans, disable and low-income households are given priority. Even in those case, you need to apply as soon as possible because funds are limited.
So it’s often first arrived 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.
Can you get a $10,000 grant for home improvement? Quick answer is yes. Find on this page all the information you need for home improvement programs by the State of Michigan, by cities and by counties. Learn: how much they provide, if you’re eligible and where to apply.
In general in Michigan all repair and improvement help with:
More precisely the following work and repair are usually covered by home improvement grants programs:
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 fix 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 mean you have nothing to pay monthly. The organization offering these loans usually take a lien on your home to be certain to be paid in the future.
Forgivable home repair loans: It’s a traditional loans but you do have to pay it back monthly. Instead after a few years the organization forgive your loan.
Note: In some rare case you may find yourself with a mix of the types above. In all cases the important 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 is the federal agency providing help and funding to Michigan’s 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.
Home Repairs: Essential to remove a direct threat to health or safety or is required by law or a mobile home park regulation. The repair(s) must restore the home to a safe, livable condition.
Furnace Repairs: Repairs are available with a lifetime maximum of $4,000 per family group.
Other Repairs: All home repairs, except furnace repair or replacement, including hot water heaters and septic systems for client-owned housing, have a lifetime maximum of $1,500 per family group.
Requirements for the 3 programs:
Read more on those Programs details.
The Michigan Housing Development Authority provides funds and programs directly to homeowners in the State but also to local housing agencies. It have 2 main homeowners programs to help with home repairs and improvements.
Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP): The NEP program can financially assist high-impact, innovative, neighborhood housing-oriented activities that benefit low and moderate income areas and residents.
Weatherization Program: Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home energy conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. Services reduce energy use and lower utility bills.
Services typically include:
Michigan Community Action is the state association for the 28 designated Community Action Agencies in Michigan. It helps, among many things, homeowners with repair programs and funding. They are the organisations offering the most help to homeowners in Michigan and helping with community development and part of Michigan’s economic development .
Thanks to their volunteers, Habitat rehabilitates houses for families and people in need. They may be able to help with home repairs and updates to make your home safer. This organization relies on you, or some neighbors if you’re elderly, to put some of the work into your home repairs. You can apply through Habitat to learn about help available in your area.
ReStores provide discounted used, surplus building materials, appliances and furniture.
Michigan window replacement grant can be done for homeowners with 2 different programs:
WAP: Weatherization Assistant Program (WAP) is funded by the Federal but managed locally. It help 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 energy efficiency.
Find the program detail and contact your local organisations managing WAP.
Find more info about the program eligibility and your local organisations managing LIHEAP.
The USDA provide home improvement loans and government grants to low-income homeowners in Michigan rural areas
Who may apply for this program?
To qualify, you must:
What is an eligible area?
Applicants may check the address of their home to determine eligibility.
How may funds be used?
How much money can I get?
What are the terms of the loan or grant?
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.
There are official free home repairs for senior citizens in Michigan but they are not only for seniors. Seniors, just like all Michiganders, are eligible to the same home improvement programs listed on this page.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn about all programs for seniors, including home repairs and modifications.
Question: Are home repair for senior citizens free?
Answer: Yes, usually, but it’s often different for each program. Some programs are 100% free while some other require a contribution and in other case. In most case they are free if the senior have a low income. You find your programs and your eligibility with the programs on this page.
You can also find specific home modification programs for seniors here.
The VA provide grants and loans to help veterans to adapt their housing to their needs when they have a disability.
Some Michigan counties have free home repair grants and government grant programs and most major cities also have similar help for homeowners.
If you don’t see your county or city below you should contact it directly and ask them if the city have a home repair program.
HOME Program Funds: Homeowner Rehabilitation assist existing owner-occupants with the repair, rehabilitation or reconstruction of their homes.
Wayne Metro
The metro area have 2 home repair programs:
Emergency Plumbing Repair: At full capacity right now.
Weatherization Assistance Program: the program permanently reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of homes while ensuring residents’ health and safety. The program offers energy efficiency services that are custom tailored to your home.
Home Repair Program: Offers 0% interest loans from $5,000 to $25,000 to help Detroit homeowners invest in and repair their homes – promoting public health and safety, increasing property values and helping residents secure and maintain homeowner’s insurance. If the home has health and safety hazards, those issues must be addressed first before other repairs can be made.
The following are sample projects:
Habitat Detroit (1 program)
Critical home repair: Habitat have a program who can fund and help homeowners in Detroit fix critical problems to their home.
Home Improvement Program: Qualified homeowners may receive interest-free loans of up to $18,000 to make needed home repairs, including barrier free access and energy saving upgrades.
Repairs must make your home being decent, safe and sanitary. Eligible improvements include: Barrier-free Access, Basement Waterproofing, Bathroom, Chimney, Door, Electrical System, Heating System, Insulation, Kitchen, Plumbing, Porch, Roof, Septic System, Siding, Structural Defect, Water and Sewer Line, Well, Window.
HOME INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM: installs devices to ensure safety and prevent falls and injuries in the homes of eligible Macomb County seniors. Grab Bars, Shower Chairs, Transfer Benches, Toilet Assist Rails, Raised Toilet Seats, Indoor and Outdoor Handrails,Smoke Alarms.
HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM: Limit for repairs is $40,000, funded through a zero-interest deferred payment loan.
Limited Housing Rehabilitation Program: Grant-funded program that exists to help eligible homeowners make essential qualified repairs to their home as defined by program guidelines. The program limit for repairs is $10,000. Because the program is grant-funded, the homeowner does not have to pay anything back.
HOUSING INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP ACT (HOME) PROGRAM: Loans are available to eligible homeowners for non-emergency repairs up to $30,000. Repairs under the HOME Program must bring the structure up to the Federal Housing Quality Standards and local housing codes, as well as eliminate any lead-based paint hazards. can include, but are not limited to: heating and energy items, plumbing and sanitary fixtures, electrical work, window replacement, entrance and storm doors, roof replacement, tap-in fees and water service, septic systems, wells, and vinyl siding.
Home repair program: this program have a grant and a loan parts.
Deferred Payment Loans: is a non-interest bearing loan, with no payback required unless,the borrower sells or transfers title or discontinues residence in the dwelling. Payments may be made voluntarily on a Deferred Payment Loan.
Grants: homeowners who are income eligible and are also 62 years or older may be eligible for a grant to be used for accessibility improvements, hazard abatement and emergency repairs with partner agencies.
Eligible Repairs:
Home Maintenance Program: Provide home energy conservation services through the installation of Weatherization measures to low income families. Services may include: Attic and Sidewall insulation Repair or replacement of windows and doors Furnace testing and cleaning Hot water heater wraps Other conservation measures Health and safety issues.
Home Improvement Program: Provides emergency repairs and full code rehabilitation for eligible City of Flint homeowners. This program is ranked very high among programs of this type in the City of Flint and is considered one of the most proficient programs providing code rehabilitation services.
Weatherization Program: Reduce energy costs for low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety.
See details on 3 programs above
Home Rehabilitation Program: bring eligible property owners’ dwellings into compliance with common housing standards to provide safe, decent and affordable housing.
Emergency Repair Program: Emergency repair grants or loans may be offered to pay for construction work to correct items that are determined by the Rehabilitation Specialist to be of an immediate nature. Assist eligible homeowners with urgent repairs related to furnaces, water heaters or sewer issues. This program offers funding for urgent repairs up to $5,000 as a grant or up to $10,000 as a deferred payment loan to low-income, owner-occupied households within the jurisdictions of the Urban County.
Manufactured Home Rehabilitation Program: These one-time grants may be used for roof repairs, emergency repairs to heating systems or water heaters. Eligibility for other needed renovations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Accessibility Ramp Program: offers funding for the installation of exterior wheelchair ramps in order to improve the accessibility of a home. Homes must be owner-occupied to qualify for the program. Manufactured homes are eligible for this program on a case-by-case basis.
Home Improvement Programs: offer a variety of free home rehabilitation, weatherization, and energy optimization services to keep your home safe and comfortable and your energy bill low.
Free services may include: Insulation and air-sealing Furnace tune-up, repair, or replacement Refrigerator replacement Accessibility ramp installation.
Housing Rehabilitation Program: can assist homeowners in many areas of Washtenaw County with needed home repairs. The Housing Rehabilitation Program can provide home improvements to owner-occupied homes throughout Urban County jurisdictions for families earning 80% or less of the area median income. There is no immediate cost to the homeowner for these repairs, but the cost of the project will result in a 0% interest lien that will run with the property until the house is sold. There are no payments required until the time of sale or change in ownership. This property lien is gradually forgiven over a 30-year period following the completion of the rehabilitation work
Weatherization Program: The program is implemented through Washtenaw County is designed to help residents lower their utility bills. We perform a free energy audit and based on the results of that audit, we provide eligible repairs on the home for free. Free home improvements may include: Insulation in the attic, walls and crawl-spaces Furnace and water heater inspections and repairs Caulking around drafty windows and doors Inspections and replacements for inefficient refrigerators Weather-stripping around doors and attic accesses
Furnace Test & Tune Program: provide a free furnace tune-up that ensures your furnace will run more efficiently, last longer, and operate safely. Other potential work may include: Furnace repairs Installation of new energy-saving programmable thermostat Installation of LED light bulbs.
Weatherization Assistance: Free home weatherization assistance to residents of Clinton, Eaton, Ingham and Shiawassee Counties. The program is designed to help lower fuel costs by making homes more energy efficient. Under today’s Weatherization Assistance Program, more work can be completed. May include: smoke detectors, clothes dryer vents, furnace/water heater testing, repair or replacement, duct insulation, attic insulation, setback thermostats, low flow showerheads, kneewall insulation, exterior wall insulation, air sealing measures, bandjoist (boxsill) insulation, floor insulation, perimeter insulation, refrigerator replacement, and LED light bulbs.
Home Rehabilitation: a loan which must be repaid. After five years, however, 50% of the loan is forgiven. There is no interest on the loan and it can be deferred until the sale of the home or until refinancing.
CAA also offers Emergency Repairs which are those immediate repairs considered to be necessary to prevent a threat to health or safety.
Weatherization Assistance: program includes an inspection that will determine what eligible Weatherization activities will be performed. A licensed contractor will complete these measures and a post inspection will be done for quality assurance.
Weatherization tasks may include things like attic insulation, wall insulation, floor insulation, weatherstripping, window caulking, other minor home repairs.
Weatherization program: provides weatherization services to save energy and lower utility bills for those meeting the low-income guidelines below. Weatherization services may include attic/wall insulation, caulking, refrigerator replacement, venting, weather-stripping, glass replacement, door repair/replacement, minor roof and foundation repair.
Plumbing Repair Program: The program goal is that every eligible home have access to hot and cold water and at least one functioning toilet, bathroom faucet, shower/bath, kitchen faucet, and laundry tub. It is also the program goal that the house has functioning wastewater drainage for water access to be sustainable in the home.
Elderly & Disabled Home Repair: Provides repairs that include, but are not limited to: roofing, gutters/downs, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, window/door replacement, flooring, drywall, handicap accessibility, etc.
Eligibility criteria are:
Weatherization Program: provides free weatherization services to low-income homeowners and renters throughout Saginaw County. Weatherization helps low-income residents save money and also results in safer, more comfortable homes.
Weatherization Assistance: Free energy conservation services for eligible low-income households to help reduce energy usage and lower utility bills. Services may include appliance combustion testing, installing insulation/ventilation, and interior sealing of major cold-air infiltration areas utilizing blower door technology.
Mobile Home Repairs: Funds available for repairs to mobile homes on a first-come basis for families who meet income eligibility requirements. Up to $5,000 may be spent per mobile home on many eligible repairs such as roof, furnace, or hot water replacement and handicap ramps allowing barrier free access into the home.
Find both programs details here
No county program. You can look at rural home improvement programs and the State programs.
Home Rehab & Repair Programs: Offers 2 types of loans.
First loan is a 4% Simple Interest Deferred Loan to address emergency repairs on their home.
This loan does not have to be paid back until the title of the home changes names or the home is sold. Types of eligible repairs would be furnace replacement, roof replacement, well or septic replacement, any other emergency issues, etc.
The 2nd is a Zero-interest 50% forgivable/50% repayable after 20 years loan in the current targeted area. Types of repairs would be anything to bring the home up to the Housing Quality Standards or Local Code, addressing Health and Safety issues, including roof, foundation, heating, plumbing, electrical work, etc.
Weatherization Program: Free to any low-income homeowner or renter with a minimal fee to a landlord. Weatherization tasks include but are not limited to: attic insulation, wall insulation, foundation insulation, infiltration reduction, furnace and water heater testing (repair and possible replacement), smoke detectors, and other minor home repairs.
Emergency Hazard Loan Program: Loan up to $15,000 to fix hazardous situation in home. Loan is for maximum of 20 years, interest free, but requires partial monthly payments for up to 10 years based on income and project cost.
Home Rehabilitation Program: Provides loans for up to $75,000 for home repairs within city of Jackson, and provides unlimited loan for lead removal. Fees: Loan is for maximum of 20 years, interest free, but requires partial monthly payments for up to 10 years based on income and project cost. Lead loan is for 5 years, completely forgiven at 5 years. If home sold before 5 years, lead loan balance is prorated.
Weatherization program: reduces heating costs by installing insulation, caulking, and doing minor repairs necessary for energy efficiency.
Emergency Minor Home Repairs: help residents across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties, including emergency minor home repairs that improve health and safety in the home.
Housing Rehabilitation: assists homeowners by correcting health and safety hazards, code violations, and making other mandatory repairs to their owner-occupied homes.
Weatherization Assistance: The program provides free home energy conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. These services reduce energy use and lower utility bills,
Accessibility Modification Program: Provide funding to help senior homeowners pay for modifications in order to be able to live longer in their homes.
Minor Home Repair: Offer Monroe County residents age 55 and older with Minor Home Repairs such as roof and floor repairs, minor furnace repairs, doors and more.
Emergency Housing Rehab Program: Offers qualifying homeowners with one rehabilitation project on their home. Rehabilitation projects can include, but are not limited to: roofing repair/replacement, furnace repair/replacement, duct work repair/replacement, furnace repair/replacement, and well repair/replacement.
Weatherization Assistance: This Program is federally funded and provides free home energy conservation services to homeowners and renters. These services reduce energy use and lower utility bills, thus creating more self-sufficient households. Services include: Wall Insulation Attic Insulations & Ventilation Foundation Insulation Air Leakage Reduction Smoke Detectors Dryer Venting Window & Door Audit Furnace Tune & Clean