What is the Flint Home Improvement Fund?
The Flint Home Improvement Fund is a citywide home repair program managed by Genesee County Habitat for Humanity to help Flint homeowners repair, improve and renovate their homes.
Why was the Flint Home Improvement Fund created?
Low home values in Flint can make it hard for some homeowners to secure loans for needed home improvements — especially if the value of the home is near or below the requested loan amount. Many existing programs have income requirements and are not available to all Flint homeowners. The Flint Home Improvement Fund was created to remove these barriers.
The Fund is intended for homeowners of all income levels. There are no income requirements or caps for this program, and the value of your home doesn’t matter. No collateral is needed for loans through this program.
Do I qualify for the Flint Home Improvement Fund?
If you are a Flint resident who owns the home you live in, then you could qualify for the Flint Home Improvement Fund. However, at this time Genesee County Habitat for Humanity is only accepting applications from residents with a household income that is at or below 80% of the area median income. We also are seeking funds to be able to provide no-interest loans to residents of all income levels. Click here for more information about eligibility.
What if I rent the home I live in? Is there funding for me?
The Flint Home Improvement Fund is currently only for owner occupied properties. Tenants may have some home repair options through the MDHHS Lead Safe Home program.
I own a house in Flint, but do not live there. Am I eligible to apply for the Flint Home Improvement Fund?
The Flint Home Improvement Fund is currently not available for homes that are vacant or being rented out to tenants. There may be some home repair options through MDHHS Lead Safe Home program. You can learn more about other home repair programs at https://www.geneseehabitat.org/home-repair.html.
How much money can I borrow?
How much you can borrow depends on funding availability and scope of the project.
Do I have to pay back the full amount of the loan?
Not necessarily. The amount you pay back depends on your income level.
Repayment requirements use a sliding scale based on a household’s income in relation to the area median income (AMI). To determine your repayment amount, see the calculator on the Eligibility Criteria page.
What kinds of repairs or improvements can be completed through this fund?
Loans through the Flint Home Improvement Fund can be used for a variety of repair and improvement projects, including but not limited to:
- Furnace and hot water heater replacement
- Roof replacement or repairs
- Kitchen and bath repairs
- New windows
- Deck and porch replacement
- New siding
- New flooring
- Accessibility modifications
How long do I have to repay the loan?
Homeowners at 80% AMI and below are required to pay 3% of the total project cost up front. Homeowners over 80% AMI have up to 84 months to repay the full cost of repairs through a 0% interest loan.
I don’t have access to a printer. Is there somewhere I can go to pick up an application?
Yes. You can pick up a copy of the application at the Habitat Restore, located at 101 Burton St. in Flint. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
If you would like an application mailed to you, please use the contact information below.
What will my interest rate be?
Current loans available through Habitat for Humanity are zero-interest loans.
What if I have more questions?
You can send an email to info@Flint-HIF.org or call 810-766-9089 ext. 213. For more resources on home repair programs available in Genesee County, visit https://www.geneseehabitat.org/home-repair.html.