Two free Detroit home repair programs will begin taking applications next week.
Home repair is an expensive and persistent issue in the city of Detroit, often hitting seniors the hardest. The city has, in recent years, used federal pandemic dollars to make a dent, but demand has been high, resources are limited and, generally, the “home repair crisis” doesn’t have an easy or one-size-fits-all solution.
The city’s offering of Detroit home repair programs includes the limited Critical Home Repair and Detroit LeadSafe, according to postings on city websites.
Here’s what to know:
What are the two home repair programs?
- Critical Home Repair: This program offers free repairs for homeowners who qualify. Examples include: severe plumbing problems, leaking roofs, a nonfunctioning boiler or furnace, electrical hazards and “accessibility-related repairs to bathrooms and home entrances/exits,” according to a city website about the program. The “most critical repairs” will get funded for households that are selected. Funding is limited. The program may not be able to address all the repairs in a home.
- Detroit LeadSafe: This program is meant to reduce exposure to lead-based paint in homes within specific zip codes where children or pregnant moms are present. The program, according to a city website, offers a free lead inspection, home repairs to address lead-based paint hazards for homes that qualify and the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department may also also provide non-lead related emergency repairs based on need and funding, including, for instance, a new roof, porch, furnace, or water heater.
When does the application open and close?
Residents can apply for the programs with one application through the city’s Neighborly system. The application opens Monday, March 9 at 8 a.m. and closes Sunday, March 22 at 11:59 p.m.
Who qualifies?
- Critical Home Repair: For this program, applicants must own and live in a home in Detroit and be up-to-date on their property taxes (or in a payment plan). They don’t qualify if they’ve previously received a city of Detroit grant. A child under 18 years old, a senior who is 62 years old or above or a resident with a documented disability must live in the home. They must also meet income eligibility requirements, based on 2025 federal income limits. For instance, the income cap for a three-person household is $54,540.
- Detroit LeadSafe: For this program, applicants must own and live in a home in Detroit and be up-to-date on their property taxes (or in a payment plan). Homes in the following ZIP codes qualify, according to the city: 48202; 48203; 48204; 48206; 48208; 48209; 48210; 48211; 48212; 48213; 48214; 48215; 48217; 48227; 48234, and 48238. Detroiters don’t qualify if they’ve previously received a city of Detroit grant. Landlords are also eligible. The homes must have children under 6 years old living or visiting (at least 10 hours a week) or a pregnant woman residing there. Applicants must also meet income eligibility requirements, based on 2025 federal income limits. The income limit for a three-person household for this program is $72,750.
Where can I apply?
A pre-application form is available March 9 to March 22 at the following link: https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/cityofdetroitmi/Participant
Where can I get more information?
For more information, go tohttps://bit.ly/CriticalHomeRepairProgram for the Critical Home Repair program and https://bit.ly/DetroitLeadSafeHousing for the Detroit LeadSafe Housing program; call the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520 or email HRDHomeRepair@detroitmi.gov.
Reach reporter Nushrat Rahman at nrahman@freepress.com.
I am writing to you about window replacement for seniors . I read the article but there was nothing said about window replacement or repair. Also what about insulation for seniors to help with heating cost. What about other zip code . As a senior in the 48221 zip code there are a number of older people who don’t have money to make these needed repairs. Please address this issue if possible. Thanks you.
“Why isn’t 48224, zip code is not listed”??!!
Right?! My question as well! 48205 48224 been considered not worthy but why…we are human and civilized residents who deserve the help too. Can someone please elaborate with accurate reasoning?
I am calling concerning roof repairs for my mom who is Bedridden.I live with her It is difficult to pay for a new roof we stay in the area of48238 area.My email address is winfieldbeverly61@gmail.com
Hi. I live in a home owned by the Detroit land Bank, I don’t own it, through utilities are in my name, and they know I live in they, I have put some money into the house, but more work needs to done. I need furnace and duct work done, I need Windows, they need to fill in a hole on the back porch; I wish they would relocate me, I need a place to stay also. I live in 48214 area code. 11 years with no heat.
I am calling about roof repair, concrete repair I need a roof, waterproofing, windows and driveway repairs. I have tried many times to get help from programs being offered here in the city to no avail. 48227 zip code.
Yes, I’m interested please call , text ,voicemail or email. Phone Number : 313-465-6795 text or voicemail. Email: anyonecandomath@gmail.com . My name is Patrick, I am a service connected disabled veteran.
Are there any grants for free home repairs in Garden City 48135?
Do you know of any. Im a senior with fixed income. Im in need of windows, furnace, insulation . Not Detroit, but Wayne County.
Hello all. My suggestion is to have offer grants to non profit organizations to assist homeowners with filling out the applications online. Many homeowners are not familiar using computers to apply online. I will be happy to volunteer to assist. My email is sherrylevanderson@gmail.com
I need my front porch repair my zip code is 48228
My uncle Jeffery suttonwill be 72 in Oct 2026 and is blind and on ssi and he owns a house in Detroit zip 48227 he’s owned this property for at least 6 years the home is in terrible condition and needs a roof amongother se riious repairs can you please help him hen lives in terrible condition please
I am a 65 year old Senior from zip code 48219 in need of a serious roof repair..
I receive limited income. Can some one assist me?
My ZIP Code is 48203 but it’s in Highland Park not Detroit proper. Could I still apply possibly qualify?
I’m a 65 year old grand mother raising two grandchildren I need a roof on my home someone please help
I am a Detroit homeowner. I have a physician’s letter for my daughter, who has severe allergy, sinus, and asthma issues. My home is experiencing a roof leak, and I may have mold which cause is my daughter’s asthma fair flarupwhich cause is my daughter’s Asthma flare ups. I do not qualify for any Detroit income-based programs because my household income is over the limit. Are there any programs or anyone that can help with roof assistance?