With support from Habitat for Humanity International, the local chapter of the organization is re-branding and pushing out a program intended to help homeowners maintain their properties.
Once called A Brush With Kindness, River City Habitat for Humanity now simply calls it the Repair Program, according to Susan Cook-Williams, executive director.
A Brush With Kindness kicked off in 2012.
“It was meant for minor repairs, such as painting or some landscaping — things like that,” Cook-Williams said. “It didn’t get utilized a whole lot outside of Habitat.”
The Repair Program is intended for homeowners regardless of whether they own Habitat for Humanity homes, she said.
The program has been used periodically for those who required new roofs, replacement furnaces or had other needs. For large repairs, such as new roofs or furnaces, the nonprofit contracts out with appropriate vendors.
Repairs are not done in emergencies. It may take weeks or months to confirm qualifications of the client.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the program faded out of mind. However, Habitat for Humanity International has again started to emphasize its importance.
Saturday afternoon, the local chapter held a “big kickoff,” in which Cook-Williams offered a pitch to vendors, board members and potential clients.
“It can be sort of that home preservation (effort) — as far as things like painting, yard cleanup, exterior repairs. But it can also be critical home repairs,” she said. “Things people really need to be able to stay in their homes. Anything that poses a health or safety challenge.”
In 2022, the United Way of Central Missouri awarded Habitat for Humanity $10,000 to kick-start the program.
It will work very much like the nonprofit’s mortgage funding — using a revolving fund in which mortgages help finance each other. When individuals or families qualify for the program and get work done, they receive a zero-interest loan for any materials or contracting Habitat for Humanity has to do.
Payments they make go back into the revolving fund to help finance any other projects that come along.
Loans are typically 12-36 months, Cook-Williams said.
About four clients continue to pay off loans they received for projects. And Habitat for Humanity continues to receive applications for projects. Inquiries may be made by phone at 573-635-8439.
Here are the eligibility requirements for the program:
• You must own the home where repairs are to be made and have lived there at least one year.
• You must occupy the home as your primary residence.
• Your household income must fall between 30 and 80 percent of the Area Median Family Income. For instance, a single-person household making $17,367-$46,312 before taxes qualifies financially. Also qualifying are two-person households making $19,448-$52,928; three-person earning $22,329-$59,544; four-person earning $24,810-$66,160; and five-person earning 26,795-$71,453.
• Those receiving services must be present during the duration of the repair work. Any able-bodied household members ages 18 or older must help during the project. Other friends and family not in the household are also encouraged to participate.
• Applicants should demonstrate willingness and ability to pay for the project cost.
Homeowners will have to pay for repair services. Cost for projects will include materials and any contracted labor (Habitat does not charge for volunteer labor).
Upon acceptance in the program, participants must agree to a payment plan, which will begin immediately. No interest will be charged.
A Deed Restriction (limiting how the home may be used) may be required for projects estimated at more than $1,000. Participants will be required to sign a promissory note for the balance. Applicants must be up to date on mortgage payments, property taxes and insurance.