Home Repairs

Aging in Place with Confidence

Our Critical Home Repair Program helps seniors in Knox County live securely and independently.

Knoxville Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Home Repair (CHR) program assists senior citizens in Knox County by completing necessary home repairs, enabling safer navigation and daily living within their own homes. This initiative supports the independence of seniors, allowing them to live comfortably and securely in their own residences for longer.

How Do I Get Started?

Our Critical Home Repair (CHR) program helps seniors in Knox County live safely and independently in their homes. We focus on critical repairs like roofing and HVAC to ensure a safe living environment.

Here’s how the process works:

  • Check Eligibility
  • Complete Application
  • Home Evaluation
  • Approval & Repair Scheduling
  • Have more questions?
Due to the high demand for our Critical Home Repair program, and to ensure a fair and efficient process, please contact us for current application availability and to learn more about the impact of our services.

How do I

Qualify?

Applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify for our Critical Home Repair program, designed to support aging in place for our senior community members.

Homeownership:

You own and live in your home full-time in Knox County and you do not own any other property other than your primary residence.

Need for Repair:

Your home requires critical repairs, specifically roofing or HVAC.

Age Requirement:

You are age 60 or above, or you reside with someone who meets this age requirement.

Income-Based Assistance:

This program serves those below 80% AMI.

Required Documentation

  • Government-issued ID and proof of ownership
  • Documentation to verify identify, age, residency, and income
  • Consistent information across all documents, or proof of corrections

Restrictions and Exclusions

  • If your home is not a detached, single-family home (example: a condo or mobile home), you may not be eligible for certain services.
  • Cosmetic work is NOT covered in this program, including, but not limited to: painting, cabinets, appliances, window treatments/security bars, and repairing trim work.

What is the Cost?

All repair costs, including materials and labor, are covered by Knoxville Habitat through a grant that does not require repayment unless the home is sold or ownership is transferred within five years of the repair completion.

What Happens After the Repairs Are Done?

  • Final Inspection and Certificate of Completion
    • After all home repairs are finished, a Knoxville Habitat project manager will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the repairs meet our high standards. Once approved, you, the homeowner, will sign a certificate of completion to mark the successful end of the project.
  • Deed Restriction and Fee
    • As part of the Critical Home Repair Program, a deed restriction will be recorded on your property. This is a standard procedure to ensure the home remains with the recipient for a beneficial period. Recording this restriction incurs a nominal fee of $12.
  • Understanding the Grant Repayment Schedule
    • The grant provided for your home repairs is designed to be forgiving over time, encouraging long-term homeownership. Here’s how the repayment scale is structured based on how long you stay in your home after the repairs are completed:
      • Up to 1 year: You would repay 100% of the grant.
      • 1-2 years: You would repay 80% of the grant.
      • 2-3 years: You would repay 60% of the grant.
      • 3-4 years: You would repay 40% of the grant.
      • 4-5 years: You would repay 20% of the grant.
      • 5 years or more: The grant does not need to be repaid (ZERO repayment).

* This sliding scale is designed to support your commitment to your home and community by gradually reducing the repayment amount the longer you reside in your home after the repairs.

Apply Now!

Interested in applying or need more information about eligibility and the application process? Contact us to find out how to start your journey towards safer, more comfortable living in your own home.

Here are answers to the questions we hear most…

How do I apply?
Knoxville Habitat for Humanity releases applications for the Critical Home Repair program on a rolling basis according to grant and funding cycles. Qualification characteristics are subject to change due to funding restrictions. Please contact Nick Kellaway for information at nkelleway@khfh.com.
What repairs does the program do?
Currently, Knoxville Habitat for Humanity focuses exclusively on roofs and HVAC repair and replacements.

  • If you are a subcontractor interested in working with Knoxville Habitat on repairs for Seniors please visit our BidRoom
Why do you place a deed restriction on the home?
Knoxville Habitat uses a forgivable deed restriction for our repairs for seniors to protect the investment of the repair. The restriction helps prevent home flipping. Our goals for the Critical Repair Program is to keep neighborhoods’ current character and support seniors who are important members of the community and could be pushed out of their homes due to dire repair needs.

Hear From Homeowners

“I was concerned about my roof because it was leaking. I had people coming out here giving me estimates, and it was more than I could ever really think about paying. The Critical Home Repair program was a blessing for me; it really was. To be able to take advantage of a program like this. I never thought I’d be able to take advantage of it, and here I am, and I’m happy about it. It was just a total blessing.”

Ola | Critical Home Repair recipient

There are people out there that unfortunately can’t afford to keep their nice homes. But, they don’t want to disgrace the neighborhood. They want to be proud of their homes. And without this donation, without this help we would not be able to be here. And so by the grace of you all, of donating it’s really really appreciated. I want to thank everybody who has contributed to this program and how it’s benefited me and now I can be proud of my home.”

Cindy | Critical Home Repair recipient

Support Beyond Our Program

If we can’t assist you, we’ll help find someone who can.
At Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, we understand the importance of community support. If our Critical Home Repair program isn’t the right fit, we don’t want you to feel left without options. That’s why we partner with a network of local organizations dedicated to serving homeowners in need. We encourage you to explore these alternative resources:
Compassion Coalition
East TN Human Resource Agency (ETHRA)
Emergency Housing Guide
Knoxville – Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC)
Knoxville Leadership Foundation: Operation Backyard
East TN Human Resource Agency (ETHRA)
Emergency Housing Guide
Knoxville – Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC)