every
one
deserves a safe place to call home.
Critical Home Repair
​Affordable home repairs preserve homeownership in our community.
By providing affordable home repairs, our Critical Home Repair Program preserves homeownership for low-income residents while alleviating critical health and safety concerns. With our skilled construction staff, the assistance of outside vendors and contractors, and the enlisted help of volunteers, qualified homeowners can find help with a variety of interior and exterior repairs. Partnering homeowners are left with a new sense of pride and are able to remain in and enjoy their homes for years to come.
Our Critical Home Repair program works with limited-income homeowners who need assistance with essential repairs that will alleviate health and safety issues - including accessibility modifications.
Examples of home repairs affecting health and safety include:
unsafe roofing or flooring
lack of heat or a/c
electrical or plumbing repairs
insect extermination
Examples of accessibility modification include:
handrail and grab bar installation
safe access modifications
ramp installation
barrier-free showers/tubs
How do I get started?
1
Apply
Applications can be completed online, by downloading and mailing a paper copy (PO Box 2008, Matthews, NC 28106), or by picking up a paper application from our office.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are based on need and the availability of funds.
How do I qualify?
You own and occupy your home located within Matthews, Mint Hill, or Stallings
The home must be owned and occupied by you, with deed in your name, for at least one year. You must intend to remain in the home as your primary residence for the next five years. You must be current on all property taxes or be actively paying on a payment plan, have homeowner’s insurance, and pass a credit check to ensure there are no property liens. The home cannot be in danger of foreclosure.
The home must be located in our service area (Matthews, Mint Hill, or the Mecklenburg County side of Stallings)
You have a repair need that is affecting the health and safety of you or your family
The proposed repair(s) must meet eligibility requirements as outlined in the Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity Home Repair Program guidelines, as determined by Greater Matthews Habitat.
You meet the income guidelines
Your total gross income must fall at or below 80% of the area Median Income Level.
Here are answers to the questions we hear most.
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How do I get a house?Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity does not give away homes. We provide a hand up, not a handout. You will be purchasing your home, and we work with you to make sure you have an affordable housing cost after purchasing the home. Each applicant must agree to partner with us in the program, which includes providing all documentation needed as well as attending homebuyer education classes and completing volunteer "HIP-hour" requirements.
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Are Habitat homes free?No, Habitat homeowners purchase their home, and pay an affordable mortgage.
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When will you accept applications again?Our application period for this year will be open from January 22nd through February 5th.
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How much does a Greater Matthews Habitat mortgage cost?Your mortgage payment (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) will be no more than 30% of your gross monthly income. This helps to ensure that you are able to continue making payments on your home while having enough remaining income to provide a healthy, stable life for you and your family.
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What is meant by "ability to pay"?Must be able to afford monthly mortgage payments Debt-to-income ratio has to be lower than 13% Stable income of at least $45,000 a year but less than 80% of the AMI based on family size.
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Do I need enough savings for a down payment?No. We consider the required 150 volunteer "HIP-hours" as down payment. However, you are required to cover closing costs.
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What do you mean by "family"?Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity understands that there are many types of families, and all are welcome to apply to our program. You determine who your family is. Just a few examples of family are: an individual applying alone, a married couple with children, a single parent, a non-married couple, or a family that includes aunts, uncles, or parents. Unless there are circumstances outside of your control, you must have lived with all the household members shown on your application for at least 6 months.
Need more help?
Send a message to our Homeowner Services Department.
-
How do I get a house?Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity does not give away homes. We provide a hand up, not a handout. You will be purchasing your home, and we work with you to make sure you have an affordable housing cost after purchasing the home. Each applicant must agree to partner with us in the program, which includes providing all documentation needed as well as attending homebuyer education classes and completing volunteer "HIP-hour" requirements.
-
Are Habitat homes free?No, Habitat homeowners purchase their home, and pay an affordable mortgage.
-
When will you accept applications again?Our application period for this year will be open from January 22nd through February 5th.
-
How much does a Greater Matthews Habitat mortgage cost?Your mortgage payment (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) will be no more than 30% of your gross monthly income. This helps to ensure that you are able to continue making payments on your home while having enough remaining income to provide a healthy, stable life for you and your family.
-
What is meant by "ability to pay"?Must be able to afford monthly mortgage payments Debt-to-income ratio has to be lower than 13% Stable income of at least $45,000 a year but less than 80% of the AMI based on family size.
-
Do I need enough savings for a down payment?No. We consider the required 150 volunteer "HIP-hours" as down payment. However, you are required to cover closing costs.
-
What do you mean by "family"?Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity understands that there are many types of families, and all are welcome to apply to our program. You determine who your family is. Just a few examples of family are: an individual applying alone, a married couple with children, a single parent, a non-married couple, or a family that includes aunts, uncles, or parents. Unless there are circumstances outside of your control, you must have lived with all the household members shown on your application for at least 6 months.
