Home Repair Program
To assist homeowners with exterior repairs while facilitating pride and responsible home ownership.
Healthy Homes provides grants to existing homeowners in two Columbus neighborhoods to make exterior improvements to their homes. These improvements can include, but are not limited to: roofs, porches, energy-efficient windows, siding, painting, and landscaping. Since 2009, 189 homeowners have received home repair grants, representing an investment of more than $2 million.
South Side Home Repair Program
The South Side home repair program is no longer accepting applications for the 2024 service year. Check back this fall for more information on 2025’s home repair availability.
We are here to help! Please contact our offices if you need assistance filling out the application or have questions regarding the other documents that must be included with your application.
To be eligible for the home repair program homeowners must:
- Submit a completed application including income verification documents
- Live in the home as their full-time residence
- Have owned home for more than one year
- Show that property taxes and mortgage are paid to date
- Show proof of homeowners insurance
- Sign a 3-year Restrictive Covenant that will be filed with the Franklin County Recorder’s Office. The Restrictive Covenant will require full or partial repayment if the home is sold in the 3 year period after completion
- Live within the specified south side geography. Click here for the impact area map.
- Have household income at or below 80% of area median income
Frequently Asked Home Repair Questions
- What are the costs to participate in the program?
There is no cost to participate in the Healthy Homes Home Repair Program. A homeowner services agreement and a restrictive covenant must be signed by the homeowner(s) in order to participate in the program. Please contact our office for more details.
- What is a restrictive covenant?
A restrictive covenant requires the grant recipient to reside in their home for 3-years after the completion of work. If the home is sold or rented prior to the end of the 3-year period a portion of the grant funds would be owed back to Healthy Homes. Please contact our office for more details or questions.
- How long does it take for an assessment to be scheduled if I’m financially approved for a project?
Assessment scheduling is determined by staff capacity and program funding. Projects will not be completed immediately following an approved application. For a more accurate estimate of project time, please call our office.
- How will I know if my application is approved?
You will receive a phone call or letter from our staff updating you on the status of your application within 30 days after applying, though you will typically know your status much sooner than that.
- Could you do cosmetic work on my home or exterior upgrades?
Our program is specifically designed for exterior home repairs that address safety, health, accessibility and code enforcement violations. Our program does not do remodels or upgrades. Healthy Homes does not install patios, decks, privacy fences or any work on garages.
- What if I need immediate repair work on my home?
Our program is not an emergency repair program so immediate assistance is not possible. If you have a severe home repair need, we will try our best to work with you in referring you to another agency that may better fit your immediate needs.
- Does your program require that I live in a certain area to receive service?
Currently, we are only servicing homes in the Healthy Homes impact areas. Please refer to the maps above.
- Can you service duplexes?
If the owner of the property resides in one side of the duplex, we will service the whole duplex and any rental income from the other side will be included as income.