Home Improvement and Environmental Modifications Programs
Home Improvement Programs from Community Development Block Grants (CBDG)
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Service Clubs and Community Groups
Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)
Faith Based Assistance
Family Independence Agency
Rural Development – Section 504 Rural Housing Loan Program
Section 504 Rural Housing Grant Program
Hospitals
Medical Insurance, Private, Medicaid and Medicare
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Kenny Mobility Center
MI Choice Medicaid Waiver (Home Based Waiver)
Michigan Department of Career Development – Rehabilitation Services
Michigan Elks Major Project
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation
Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter
Trust Funds
Tribute Fund, United Way Community Services
United Way
Veterans Administration
Community Services of Oakland
MichCon Furnace Replacement
We would to thank the Kenny Mobility Center Project HOME for the following information.
The following is a list of programs and agencies that may assist you in obtaining funding for environmental modifications.
Home Improvement Programs from Community Development Block Grants (CBDG)
The federal government awards many cities and counties with funds for community development. CDBG funds must have a direct impact on low to moderate-income residents. Many of the communities receiving CDBG have home improvement programs for homeowners. These programs may grant loans at low interest rates or may even deferred loans until the sale of the home. The programs vary from community; call your community to see if you would be able to utilize CDBG money.
Oakland County Community and Home Improvement Division
Executive Office Bldg. (34 East) Room 112
1200 North Telegraph Rd.
Pontiac, MI 48341-0414
1-888-350-0900 ext. 80493
If you live in one of the following communities please call them instead of Oakland County.
| Royal Oak | 248-546-5577 |
| Southfield | 248-354-4413, Greg Sherman |
| 248-354-1635, Cindy Coop | |
| Waterford Twp. | 248-674-3111, ext. 228 |
| Pontiac | 248-857-5670 |
US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is part of HUD, administers two programs that can help people with disabilities to finance home modifications. First, under the Title I program, approved lenders make loans from their own funds to finance property improvements, and FHA insures the lender against loss if the borrower defaults. Title I property improvement loans are not government loans or grants, and they are not low interest loans. The title loans are simply insured by FHA.
To obtain a list of lenders approved by the Title I Program, call 800-456-2118. Another program offered through HUD is the Section 203 (k) program. The Section 203 (k) insures approved lenders who provide mortgage loans to finance both the acquisition and rehabilitation of property. Environmental modifications qualify as rehabilitation under this program. For a list of approved Section 203 (k) lenders call HUD Detroit at 313-226-7230.
Service Clubs and Community Groups
Consider contacting your local service clubs, such as Kiwanis, Lions, Jaycees, Knights of Columbus and others. Many of these organizations are in existence to help. Call your city hall or Chamber of Commerce to obtain the names and telephone numbers of the groups in your area. Also, read the local neighborhood papers for postings of different groups meeting in your area.
Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)
Michigan has a trust fund administered through CSHCS that provides grants of up to $800 that may be used to buy portable ramps or pay for ramp construction. To be eligible, your child must be no older than 21, must meet certain medical criteria, and must be actively enrolled as a recipient of CSHCS. If you rent, you must obtain written permission from your landlord. Call 1-800-359-3722.
Many faith based organizations offer assistance to people of need in the community regardless of religious affiliation. Check the yellow pages and ask friends and family about different religious organizations that might have programs to help.
Family Independence Agency (FIA)
The FIA provides financial assistance for ramps, adaptive equipment and home modifications for adults with physical disabilities. To be eligible for the Physical Disability Services clients, must be at least 18 years of age, have a documented chronic disabling condition, be Medicaid eligible and own their own home (some expectations may be made). The lifetime maximum amount of assistance is $5,000. Also, The State Emergency Relief fund (SER) may be able to help; funding is available up to $1,800.00. If you get denied be sure to obtain a denial notice, many of the other programs need this to offer services. Contact one of the following FIA offices:
Pontiac District I Office
248-975-5400
Madison Heights District II Office
248-583-8700
Walled Lake District III Office
248-669-7600
Pontiac District IV Office
248-975-5200
District V Office
248-975-4855
Rural Development – Section 504 Rural Housing Loan Program
The Section 504 Rural Housing Loan Program allows very-low income rural homeowners to improve or modernize their home; make their home decent, safe, and sanitary; and remove health and safety hazards.
The maximum loan amount cannot exceed $20,000. The interest rate is one percent annually. The loan terms are based on repayment ability and will not exceed 20 years.
Eligibility requirements:
- Have very-low income (less than 50% of the adjusted median income).
- Be unable to obtain a loan elsewhere.
- Own and occupy the single family home.
- Be at least 18, a US citizen or resident alien.
- Have an acceptable credit history.
- Be able to repay the loan.
- Lack personal resources (cash or other assets) to do the repairs.
- Must have the legal capacity to incur the loan obligation.
Section 504 Rural Housing Grant Program
The Section 504 Rural Housing Grant Program may be used for repairs and improvements that will improve health and safety hazards, or to repair or remodel dwellings to make them more accessible and usable for household members with disabilities.
The lifetime grant assistance to any applicant cannot exceed a total of $7,500. The grant is subject to repayment if the dwelling is sold within 3 years after the grant is approved.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have very -low income (less than 50% of the adjusted area median income).
- Lack personal resources (cash or other assets) to do the repairs.
- Own and occupy the single family home.
- Be a US citizen or resident alien.
- Be 62 Years of age or older.
- Be unable to repay a loan.
It is also possible to obtain a loan-grant combination. The eligibility requirements in addition to those of a grant are: have an acceptable credit history and be able to afford a loan for only part of the repairs.
Many hospitals have a designated fund to assist their patients who have special needs. Even if your hospital does not provide financial assistance, they may be able to refer you to a local agency or community group that can help you. Contact the social worker or the community relation's specialist to learn more.
Medical Insurance, Private, Medicaid and Medicare
Many insurances will cover some amount of durable medical equipment if prescribed by a doctor. Call your benefits administer to see what would be covered and how much. Keep asking a lot of questions.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Equipment and accommodations that are installed for medical purposes are tax deductible. Consumers must have a written statement from their doctor and copies of all receipts. For home improvements, expenses incurred will only be deducted to the extent that they exceed any increase in property value. The entire cost of detachable equipment plus the operating and maintenance costs can be deducted. Call the IRS at 800-829-1040.
Equipment Connection is a program that connects people who are looking to buy or sell used adaptive equipment. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a wheelchair, motorized cart, walker or van lift, Equipment Connection will reach your targeted audience. Call 800-237-3422.
MI Choice Medicaid Waiver (Home Based Waiver)
The Medicaid Waiver Program provides funding for consumers to remain in community home environments as opposed to a nursing home. The funds may be used for ramps and home modifications. To be eligible, you must be 18 years or older, meet the eligibility criteria for nursing home level of care, and you must be Medicaid eligible. Call the Medicaid Provider Hotline 800-292-2550 to find a local provider taking new consumers.
Michigan Department of Career Development – Rehabilitation Services
Financial assistance for ramps, specialized equipment and home modifications if they are required for employment. Decisions regarding funding are made on an individual basis. Call 800-292-5896.
The Michigan Elks' Handicapped Childrens' program provides funding for ramps and specialized equipment. Participants must be under the age of 18 and must meet certain income guidelines. Call 616-624-6618.
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
MSHDA's Home Improvement Program offers home improvement loans of up to $25,000, which can be used to make a home accessible. Payment plans can extend up to 20 years. Interest rates are based on household income and range from 1% to 8%. To learn more call 517-373-8017.
Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation
The Foundation provides funding for ramps and adaptive equipment. Recipients must have muscular dystrophy (this includes other neuromuscular diseases like ALS and Myasthenia Gravis). Call 800-544-1213 to learn more.
Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter
Financial assistance is available for ramps and specialized equipment. Only people with MS are eligible and the consumer must have financial need. Awards range from $50 to $500. Also, the MS Society has a loan closet; consumers with MS can borrow any piece of equipment in the closet free of charge. Call 800-243-5767 ext.236.
Many banks, trust companies, and savings and loan institutions have trust funds set up to help people in need. To learn more about these types of funds, call local institutions and ask if they have any trust funds and what are the eligibility requirements.
Tribute Fund, United Way Community Services
This is a last resort, once in a lifetime funding source. These funds may only be used for people who have received all the funding they can get but still require more. Only caseworkers that put together financial aid packages for people with disabilities should contact the fund. The amount is determined on an individual basis. Your Case Manager should call 313-226-9403.
United Way Community Services of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb have a ramp-building project for low-income individuals. Also, the office can offer referrals to other agencies that may be able to help. Call the Oakland Division 248-646-8186 for the Ramp Project. Call Tel-help 800-552-1183 for referral service.
The Veterans Administration offers three different types of grants for veterans with disabilities to make home accommodations. The Special Housing Adaptation program is authorized to grant up to $38,000 for building, buying or remodeling a home that is specially adapted to the needs of a disabled veteran. To be eligible, the disability must be service-connected. This award may only be used once.
The Special Housing Adaptation program will grant up to $6,500 for home modifications. To be eligible, the veteran must have lost the use of both hands or be blind. The disability must also be service-connected.
The Home Improvement and Structural Alteration program grants money towards the cost of making home accommodations. The maximum award is $4,100 for people with service-connected disabilities, and $1,200 for non-service-connected disabilities. Again, veterans can only receive this award once.
To learn more about any of these programs call the Veterans Administration 800-827-1000.
CSO has some programs to assist seniors with home modifications. One programs is the Home Injury Control Devices that provides funds to purchase items to prevent home injury. Such items could include grab bars, interior and exterior handrails: smoke alarms, tub benches and other similar devices. To be eligible consumer must be at least 60 years of age and a resident of one of the following communities:
Berkley
Clawson
Farmington
Farmington Hills
Ferndale
Hazel Park
Huntington woods
Lathrup village
Madison Heights
Oak Park
Pleasant Ridge
Royal Oak
Royal Oak Township
Southfield
Troy
Call 248-542-5860 to learn more.
MichCon will assist consumers to to get a new furnace. Contact 248-256-5788.