Two Detroit home repair programs are re-opening for applications this month, as Mayor Mary Sheffield signed an executive order signaling her administration's commitment to addressing the city's home repair crisis.
Home repair is an expensive and persistent issue in the city of Detroit, often hitting seniors the hardest. The city has, in recent years, used federal pandemic dollars to make a dent, but demand has been high, resources are limited and, generally, there is no easy or one-size-fits-all solution. Sheffield on Sept. 8 tapped Heather Zygmontowicz, a longtime home repair expert, to lead a citywide effort to bring together disjointed programs, conduct an annual home repair census for at least five consecutive years, develop a fundraising
strategy and identify policy changes.
The city is reopening two programs: the limited Critical Home Repair geared toward households with children, seniors and people with disabilities; and Detroit LeadSafe Housing for households with young children and pregnant women, according to its website.
Here's what to know:
What are the two home repair programs?
- Critical Home Repair: This program offers free repairs for homeowners who qualify. Examples include: severe plumbing problems, leaking roofs, a nonfunctioning boiler or furnace, electrical hazards and "accessibility-related repairs to bathrooms and home entrances/exits," according to a city website about the program. The "most critical repairs" will get funded for households that are selected. Funding is limited. The program may not be able to address all the repairs needed in a home.
- Detroit LeadSafe: This program is meant to reduce exposure to lead-based paint in homes within specific ZIP codes where children or pregnant moms are present. The program, according to a city website, offers a free lead inspection and home repairs to address lead-based paint hazards for homes that qualify. The city of Detroit's Human Homeless and Family Services department may also provide non-lead related emergency repairs based on need and funding, including, for instance, a new roof, porch, furnace or water heater.
When does the application open and close?
Residents can apply for the programs with one application through the city's Neighborly system. The application opens at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9 and closes at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Who qualifies?
- Critical Home Repair: For this program, applicants must own and live in a home in Detroit for at least one year and be up-to-date on their property taxes or in a payment plan. They don't qualify if they've previously received a city of Detroit grant. A child under 18 years old, a senior who is 62 years old or above or a resident with a documented disability must live in the home. They must also meet income eligibility requirements, based on 2026 federal income limits. For instance, the income cap for a three-person household is $56,640.
- Detroit LeadSafe: For this program, applicants must own their home for at least one year and be up-to-date on their property taxes or in a payment plan. Homes in the following ZIP codes qualify, according to the city: 48202; 48203; 48204; 48206; 48208; 48209; 48210; 48211; 48212; 48213; 48214; 48215; 48217; 48227; 48234, and 48238. The city directs those living outside those bounds to this state website: Michigan.gov/mileadsafe. Detroiters don't qualify if they've previously received a city of Detroit grant. Landlords are also eligible. The homes must have children under 6 years old living or visiting (at least 10 hours a week) or a pregnant woman residing there. Applicants must also meet income eligibility requirements, based on 2026 federal income limits. The income limit for a three-person household for this program is $75,500.
Where can I apply?
A pre-application form is available Sept. 9 to Sept. 22 at the following link: portal.neighborlysoftware.com/CITYOFDETROITMI/participant. Applicants must sign in or make an account on that website.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, go to bit.ly/CriticalHomeRepairProgram for the Critical Home Repair program andbit.ly/DetroitLeadSafeHousing for the Detroit LeadSafe Housing program; call the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520 or email HHFSHomeRepair@detroitmi.gov.
Reach reporter Nushrat Rahman at nrahman@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2 free Detroit home repair programs re-open this month
