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Community Development Block Grant &
Critical Home Repair Program

Keeping homeowners safe, comfortable, and at home. 

What Is the CDBG Critical
Home Repair Program? 

CDBG Critical Home Repair helps low-income homeowners address health, safety, and accessibility needs in their homes. From leaky roofs to wheelchair ramps, this program ensures families can remain in their homes with dignity. 

By preserving homes, we strengthen neighborhoods — making Harrisonburg homes healthier, safer, and more connected for everyone. 

How Does It Work?

  1. Application: Submit an interest form during an open application period. 

  2. Assessment: Our team will visit to evaluate repair needs and feasibility. 

  3. Environmental Review: is performed by CDBG Staff 

  4. Partnership Agreement: Approved homeowners will sign an agreement for work to be performed. 

  5. Repairs Begin: Habitat coordinates skilled contractors

  6. Repairs are inspected and finalized to ensure safety and satisfaction.

  7. Certificate of Completion signed by Homeowner 

  8. Deed of Trust signed – Lien signed for 5 years 

Do I Qualify?

To be eligible, applicants must: 

  • Own and occupy the home as a primary residence 

  • Live in the City of Harrisonburg 

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident 

  • Property is not located in a floodplain 

  • Applicant qualifies as LMI 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) 

Repairs must fall between $5,000 and $20,000 in estimated cost. 

What Types of Repairs Are Covered? 

Roof Replacements

HVAC Repairs or Replacements

Accessibility Projects  

Note: Cosmetic upgrades or remodels are not covered. 

Why It Matters

Safe, stable housing transforms lives. CDBG not only prevents displacement — it restores dignity, independence, and health. 

This program is one of the most cost-effective ways to invest in our neighbors and our neighborhoods. 

“My house is no longer falling apart around me.
It feels like I can breathe again.” 
— Local Homeowner 

Support This Mission

Your monetary donation or time spent volunteering helps repair homes — and lives. Common repair projects include…

New Handrails for Safer Home Entry

Grab Bars for Accessibility

Plumbing or Electrical Work

Roof Replacements & Repairs

Not Ready to Apply? Have Questions?

We’re here to help.

Our Impact

News
Critical Home Repair Restores Penny’s Sense of Safety at Home
Critical Home Repair Restores Penny’s Sense of Safety at Home

Sometimes, we only know what we take for granted once it becomes challenging. For Penny Halterman, a typical evening at home took a dramatic twist when navigating the stairs; she tripped over her cat and tumbled to the bottom. The fall left her with a broken leg, which was accompanied by some challenges and a what-if: What if Penny had something to lean on?

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Empowering Seniors to Age Gracefully with Critical Home Repairs
Empowering Seniors to Age Gracefully with Critical Home Repairs

Life's challenges often present us with unexpected hurdles, testing our strength and resolve. For David and Nancy Carr, these challenges became even more profound when Nancy was diagnosed with bone cancer. Reflecting on the journey, David recalls, "I'm really thankful for Habitat because they made her quality of life so much better, especially when she could only leave the house in the wheelchair." The Carrs' story is a shining example of how Habitat for Humanity's Critical Home Repair program doesn't just repair houses; it repairs lives.

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Critical Home Repair Program Aids Homeowners
Critical Home Repair Program Aids Homeowners

Our Critical Home Repair Program aims to provide repairs and renovations to the homes of homeowners like Charity. The program prioritizes repairs that are necessary for the health and safety of the homeowners, accessibility, and the weatherization of the home; as well as repairs that will have the greatest impact on the value of the home.

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