Home repair costs can be a barrier for older adults who want to remain safely in their homes as they age. Rising repair costs make it a challenge for older adults living on limited incomes to have access to supportive funds to make those repairs.
The state is now offering grants to organizations through the Oregon Health Authority's new healthy homes grant program to help individuals with repairs. MORE HERE.
An article published on Jan 2, 2025, OregonLive/The Oregonian, referenced health authority spokesperson Jonathan Modie's statement. He indicated funds established by the Legislature in 2021 are being made available this year. The first round of grants will send $20 million to 34 local organizations and agencies to repair the homes of low-income Oregon residents. MORE HERE
Habitat for Humanity in Portland is one of the recipients of the grant. Applications for Habitat loans are currently closed, however, will re-open in late spring 2025. A limited number of applications will be available and reach capacity quickly. Individuals who hope to submit an application should check the Portland-area Habitat home repair website for the most recent information on when applications are available. They do not maintain a wait list. Interested homeowners can also sign up for Habitat for Humanity Portland Region’s email list to stay informed. MORE HERE.
To qualify for the program, homeowners must make less than 80% of the Portland area median income of $75,550 for a family of two. The average repair loan Habitat offers is about $10,000. The 15-year loans are forgiven at the end of the time period as long as the recipient is still in the house. The loans come due only if the home is sold out of the family before the 15 years are up.
The following criteria are considered in the selection process:
Habitat's program will service residents living in these zip codes: