MyFinancialPrograms

Michigan have over 112 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.

Who provide grants for home repairs in Michigan?

There are 3 main sources of financial assistance for free home repair grants in Michigan:

1. 1- Federal Programs : HUD (Housing and Urban Development) is the Federal housing agency providing programs and funds to the State of Michigan, Counties and cities.
2. 2- State of Michigan Programs : Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is a state agency offering programs and funds to Counties and cities in Michigan.
3. 3- Counties and cities programs : The main organizations offering funds and programs to help Michiganders with home repair, rehabilitation and improvement are at your county and city level.

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.

Who is eligible for government home improvement grant in Michigan?

In general everyone is eligible to home improvement and repairs grants and assistance in Michigan. 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. 

Which home improvement & repair are usually covered?

In general in Michigan all repair and improvement help with:

• – Ensure your home does not harm its 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: Grants for roof placement or repair to fix leaks or change your roof.
• – Windows & doors: Windows replacement grants and exterior doors.
• – 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.

What types of home improvement help is in Michigan?

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 (Urban Housing Department)

Michigan Health & Human Services Accessible Housing (HDHHS)(3 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:

• – Applicant must be the owner or purchaser of the home, or hold a life estate or life lease on the home with the responsibility for home repairs.
• – The home is the applicant’s permanent, usual residence and not listed for sale.
• – The home is not in jeopardy of loss. Repairs will be denied if there is a house payment or property tax arrearage, unless a workable plan exists for paying the arrearage.
• – The ongoing cost of maintaining the home is affordable to the applicant (total housing costs cannot exceed 75 percent of the group’s net income).

Read more on those Programs details. 

MI State Housing Development Authority (2 programs)

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:

• – Wall Insulation.
• – Attic Insulation and Ventilation.
• – Foundation Insulation.
• – Air Leakage Reduction.
• – Smoke Detectors.
• – Dryer Venting.

Michigan Community Action (28 programs)

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 .

Habitat for Humanity (38 programs)

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.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores

ReStores provide discounted used, surplus building materials, appliances and furniture.

Michigan Rural Residents (1 program)

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:

• – 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 Elders Help for Home Repairs

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.

You can also find specific home modification programs for seniors here.

Veterans Home Repair and Rehabilitation

The VA provide grants and loans to help veterans to adapt their housing to their needs when they have a disability.

Programs by County & City (40 programs)

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.

Wayne County (3 programs)

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.

City of Detroit (2 programs)

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:

• – Correcting health and safety hazards (required)
• – Electrical repairs; Furnace replacement;
• – Roof repair and replacement;
• – Plumbing;
• – Door and window replacements;
• – Porches and structural support.

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.

Oakland County (1 program)

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. 

Macomb County (4 programs)

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.

• – Repayment of the loan occurs when the title of the property is transferred.
• – As long as the homeowner maintains the property as their primary residence and title do not change, the zero-interest loan remains deferred. No payments are required. If/when the homeowner selects a contractor,* mortgage documents are signed with the County.
• – The homeowner also signs a contract with the selected contractor.*

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. 

Kent County (1 program)

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:

• – Repair or replacement of major structural and mechanical systems structural and mechanical systems.
• –  Disability access and ADA repairs.
• – Pest & hazard abatement.
• – Energy saving improvements.
• – Connection to water and sewer lines 

Genesee County (3 programs)

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

Washtenaw County (6 programs)

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. 

Ingham County (1 program)

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.

Ottawa County (2 programs)

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.

Kalamazoo County (2 programs)

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. 

Saginaw County (2 programs)

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:

• – Must reside within the CDBG district shown on the map below.
• – Must be current on property taxes and insurance
• – Must be 55 or older, if disabled, otherwise must be 60 or older
• – Income less than 80% of the Area Median Income.

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. 

Livingston County (2 programs)

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

Muskegon County (no program)

No county program. You can look at rural home improvement programs and the State programs.

St. Clair County (2 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. 

Jackson County (3 programs)

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. 

Berrien County (4 programs)

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. 

Monroe County (3 programs)

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 

See all  programs details here