Home Rehabilitation
Home Rehabilitation combines the efforts of the client, UHDC staff, volunteers, and licensed contractors to meet home repair goals through the use of low-interest loans and grants. There are several sources of funding that UHDC can use to make repairs to your home, each with its own requirements.
The first step is to apply. We send out applications when requested and use the information you provide to determine eligibility for each program. The application will place you on a waiting list. When funding is available that might match your application, we will contact you to update the application and submit documentation. We assess the work and write up what needs to be done to the home. The work is prioritized according to the needs of the homeowner and the requirements of the program funding the work. The final result is a decent, safe, and sanitary place to live, free of health hazards.
Applications are available at our office located at 301 East 3rd Street, Russellville, AR or you can print the application by clicking the link below.
Home Rehabilitation Application
Self-Help Home Rehabilitation
If you are physically able to do some of the work yourself—or have family or friends that will volunteer to help, this method might be for you.
We use Construction Supervisors to help clients know what to do and how to do it. Once they get started, we monitor their progress and make sure all of the work is done well. Some jobs require a professional license and homeowners aren’t asked to do these tasks. They can still save on the cost by taking over chores such as job-site pick-up that the professional would pay a helper to do.
Can I really do some of the work myself?
Yes!
UHDC has helped over 1,200 families build their homes from the ground up. As an existing homeowner, you’re already ahead of the game!
We use Construction Supervisors to help clients know what to do and how to do it. Once they get started, we monitor their progress and make sure all of the work is done well. Some jobs require a professional license and homeowners aren’t asked to do these tasks. They can still save on the cost by taking over chores such as job-site pick-up that the professional would pay a helper to do.
UHDC has been using Self-Help Housing to make dreams come true since 1978. If you are physically able to do some of the work yourself—or have family or friends that will volunteer to help, this method might be for you.
Am I Eligible?
Eligibility for each program is determined through a pre-application. When the pre-application is turned in, the individual is placed on a waiting list. When a client meets the requirements of one of our funding sources, they are contacted to complete a full application and to submit documentation. UHDC will assess the work and write up what needs to be done to the home. The work is prioritized according to the needs of the homeowner and the requirements of the program funding the work. The final result is a decent, safe, and sanitary place to live, free of health hazards. Making these repairs helps the homeowner live affordably in the home they already own and brings up property values for entire neighborhoods.
How Do I Get From Before To After?
Jobs may be bid out to local contractors or UHDC may act as the general contractor and sub-contract all or part of the work required according to the guidelines from funding sources. Volunteer labor may also be used. UHDC supervises all phases of the process and the work is inspected to make sure all work meets applicable standards.
Home Rehabilitation Program Options
| Self-Help Rehab USDA Rural Development 504 Loan | Self-Help Rehab USDA Rural Development 504 Grant | USDA Rural Development Housing Preservation Grant | Federal Home Loan Bank SNAP Grant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Which Arkansas counties is this program available? | Conway, Johnson, Logan, Pope, & Yell Counties | Conway, Johnson, Logan, Pope, & Yell Counties | Pope County(2023) | Conway, Johnson, Logan, Pope, & Yell Counties |
| What is the program household income limit? | 50% of the Area Median Income (Banded by 1-4, 5-8, & 8+ household) | 30% of the Area Median Income (Un-Banded) | 50% of the Area Median Income (Banded by 1-4, 5-8, & 8+ household) | 80% of the Area Median Income (In-Banded) |
| What income deductions does this program allow? | Dependent Deduction, Child Care Expenses, Disability Assistance | Dependent Deduction, Child Care Expenses, Elderly Household, Medical Expenses, Disability Assistance | Dependent Deduction, Child Care Expenses, Elderly Household, Medical Expenses, Disability Assistance | None |
| What is the program age limit or disability requirement? | 18 and older | 62 and older | 18 and older | 55 and older and/or disabled |
| Is this program open all year round? | Yes | Yes | Depending on slot availability | No, grant funds are only released once a year |
| Does this program have a waiting list? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| How much will the loan or grant be? | Minimum of $1,000 and Maximum of $40,000 | $10,000 Maximum Lifetime Limit | Amount Varies | Up to $10,000 Maximum |
| What types of repairs | Funds may be used to make general repairs to improve or modernize the property, as long as the dwelling remains modest. | Funds may be used only for repairs and improvements that will remove health and safety hazards*, or to repair or remodel dwellings to make them accessible and useable for a household member with a disability. | Funds may be used for bathroom modifications (walk-in/roll-in showers, grab bars, ADA toilets) widening doorways, wheelchair ramp and/or zero step entries, interior/exterior handrails, repair/replace exterior steps, roofing, gutters, downspouts, soffit, fascia, windows (energy efficient only), exterior Doors (energy efficient only), electrical repairs, weather stripping, attic and wall insulation, repair/replace HVAC, repair/replace septic system, repair/replace water heater, repair/replace furnace. | Funds may be used only for repairs and improvements that will remove health and safety hazards*, or to repair or remodel dwellings to make them accessible and useable for a household member with a disability. |
| What are the property ownership requirements? | Property must be owner occupied and the applicant’s sole and primary residence | Property must be owner occupied and the applicant’s sole and primary residence | Property must be owner occupied and the applicant’s sole and primary residence | Property must be owner occupied and the applicant’s sole and primary residence |
| Will there be a lien on my property? | No lien for loans less than $7,499. Mortage/lien for loans greater than $7,499. | No | Yes, a 5 year deed restriction is filed with the local Court House | No |
| Does credit affect the eligibility? | A credit score of 620 is required and debt payments cannot exceed 46% of the applicant’s income | No | No | No |
| What are the terms of the loan? | 20-year term, 1% interest rate, no penalties/fees for early pay off. Full title service is required if the total outstanding balance is greater than $25,000. | Grants have a lifetime limit of $10,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Can or must this program be partnered with another program? | Optional | Optional | Required to match funds from partnering program | Optional |
| Is the participant required to contribute labor for the repairs? | Yes, either the participant or individuals on the participant’s behalf | Yes, either the participant or individuals on the participant’s behalf | No | No |
*Hazards and Major Hazards - A hazard is a property condition that jeopardizes the health or safety of the occupants or members of the community, but that does not make it unfit for habitation. A major hazard is a condition so severe that it makes the property unfit for habitation.
