Habitat for Humanity's Critical Home Repair Program

We offer critical home repair services to homeowners
so they can continue to live in safe, decent homes for years to come.

Welcome to Habitat for Humanity’s Home Repair Program! We are dedicated to improving living conditions and providing safe, decent, and affordable housing for families in need. Our program focuses on repairing and renovating existing homes, ensuring that individuals and families can continue to thrive in their communities. Join us as we make a lasting impact and create a better future for those in need.

The Habitat for Humanity Home Repair Program is an initiative aimed at addressing critical repair needs of low-income homeowners. Our program focuses on making necessary repairs, modifications, and improvements to ensure homes are safe, energy-efficient, and conducive to a healthy living environment. By providing these essential repairs, we help families maintain the stability of their homes and prevent further deterioration.

Funding for the Home Repair Program comes from county and state grants, organizational grants and funding for veterans and donations from community members and businesses. Funding programs may require a forgivable loan, an affordable repayment plan or sweat equity hours through volunteer work or advocacy.

If you believe you meet the qualifications below, the first step is to complete a pre-application.  The pre-application can be obtained by clicking below, emailed to you, picked up at our main office and ReStores, or you may request one be mailed to your home.  It can be returned via email, mail or dropped off at our office. Please know that we can only assist applicants as our capacity and funding allows. 

 

In order to qualify for our program, you must:

  • Own and reside in the home in need of repairs

  • The home must be within our service area

  • Be up to date on taxes for the property

  • Be current on mortgage payments

  • Have homeowners insurance in force on the property

  • Require repairs that fall within the guidelines of the program

  • Have a household gross income under 80% of the McHenry County area median income 

  • Be willing to agree to the terms of the funding programs utilized for your project*

The Pre-Application is a fillable form, if you have a PDF reader you may complete the form on your computer. It will not automatically submit upon completion. You must save the document and email it as an attachment or print it out to return via mail, email or in person. Any questions, please contact 815-759-9002 or info@habitatmchenry.org.

Types of repairs the program assists with:

Critical Home Repairs

  • Roof repairs and replacements
  • Plumbing and electrical repairs
  • Heating and cooling system repairs
  • Foundation and structural repairs
  • Window and door replacements

Accessibility Modifications

  • Installation of wheelchair ramps
  • Widening doorways for accessibility
  • Installation of grab bars and handrails
  • Bathroom modifications for easier use
  • Chair lifts for multilevel accessibility

 

Please note, the Critical Home Repair Program is not designed to provide immediate emergency fixes. While the program aims to address critical repairs, it operates on a scheduled basis, prioritizing projects based on urgency, health, safety, accessibility and available resources. If you are in need of urgent repairs that pose an immediate threat to the health, safety, or accessibility of your home, it is recommended to seek alternative resources for emergency assistance. Dialing 2-1-1 in McHenry County will connect you to a call center that will direct you to an appropriate social service agency or nonprofit.

If you have any questions or need any assistance please contact our Program Team at: info@habitatmchenry.org or 815-759-9002.