STATUS: Program open for 2 weeks only: Sept. 9th, 2026 at 8 a.m. until close Sept. 22nd, 2026 at 5 p.m.

SERVICE AREA: City of Detroit

CLIENTS SERVED: Detroit homeowners who own and occupy their home and have at least one of the following living in the home: a child under 18, a senior age 62+, or a resident with a documented disability.

DESCRIPTION: The City of Detroit’s Critical Home Repair Program provides free home repairs to eligible homeowners who own and occupy their home, prioritizing homes with the most serious health and safety needs. Funding is limited, so not every eligible household will receive assistance and the program may address only the most critical repair.

Homeowners must also be within the HUD income limits listed below, be current on property taxes or enrolled in a payment plan.

SERVICES & PROGRAMS: Provides free repairs to address serious health and safety problems in eligible Detroit homes. Example of repairs may include:

• Roofs: Leaks, missing shingles, major damage, or areas allowing water inside.
• Furnaces/boilers: No heat, broken furnace/boiler, or unsafe heating system.
• Plumbing: Major leaks, broken pipes, water damage, or lack of running water.
• Electrical hazards: Exposed wiring, unsafe electrical systems, outages, or fire hazards.
• Accessibility improvements: Bathroom or entrance/exit modifications
  • Ramps
  • Porch, Steps
  • Bathroom grab bars, walk-in showers, accessible toilets, or other changes.
  • Widening narrow doorways that don’t accommodate a wheelchair

The City evaluates the home and determines which critical repairs can be completed. Funding is limited, so not all requested repairs are guaranteed. The repair process can take several months depending on the scope of work and program capacity.

HOW TO APPLY:
Homeowners apply online through the City’s Neighborly system. Detroit residents who need help applying online can receive assistance through a City of Detroit Neighborhood Intake Center. A list of intake locations will be posted when the program reopens. Applicants can also call 866-313-2520 or 313-224-6380 for assistance.

Applicants should be prepared to provide information and documentation showing:

• Homeownership: Proof that applicants own the home, such as a recorded deed or quitclaim deed.
• Occupancy: Information confirming the home is their primary residence, such as a property tax bill, mortgage statement, Homeowners insurance policy, current utility bill, etc.
• Property taxes: Documentation showing property taxes are current or that the homeowner is enrolled in an approved payment plan.
• Household members: Names, ages, relationship to the applicant, disability status, and other information needed to determine eligibility. Applies to everyone in the home.
• Disability: If qualifying based on disability, documentation may be required, such as an SSI/SSDI award letter, disability benefits statement, Medicaid disability determination, physician’s statement, or other official documentation.
• Household income: Income information/documentation for household members to verify that the household falls within the program’s income limit, such as recent pay stubs, check copies, benefit/award letters, Social Security statements, bank statements, etc.
• Home repair needs: Describe critical problems and the damage they’re causing, such as roof leaks, plumbing or electrical hazards, heating failures, structural damage, or accessibility barriers (things in or around the home that make it difficult or unsafe for someone with a disability or mobility problem). Have photos ready if needed.