For homeowners on fixed incomes, a repair bill in the thousands can feel impossible to cover.
In Aiken, South Carolina, a city-backed home repair fund offering up to $5,000 per project is helping close that gap, including for one resident who faced nearly $15,000 in roof repair estimates.
Here's what to know
Backed by a $75,000 city grant from plutonium settlement funds, the Aiken Council of Neighborhoods' Home Repair Program helps Aiken homeowners age 60 and older with urgent repairs, limited to $5,000 per project, WJBF reported.
After dealing with roof leaks, Aiken homeowner Carrie Harris sought repair estimates and said the prices were more than she could afford. "$6,000, $14,000, you know, one jump from that to that," Harris said.
Diane Saunders, the council's treasurer, said the need became clear as more older residents struggled to afford home repairs. "We saw that there's a lot of older folks that can't afford to fix up things at their house. So their houses are basically falling apart." In about a year, the program has assisted 14 households, and organizers hope that total reaches at least 20.
To qualify, residents must live within Aiken city limits, own and occupy their homes, be 60 or older, and either live on the north side or in a low- to moderate-income neighborhood.
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More background
Smaller local grant programs can fill a gap that insurance, savings, or monthly income often cannot cover. For many older adults, a failing roof, a broken door, or a sewage problem cannot wait.
Jobs covered include sewage-backup repairs, fence work after tree damage, a roof replacement, and new exterior doors for one resident, according to WJBF.
Other approved repairs include damaged fascia and soffits, work that keeps weather out and air moving properly through a home. In one case, the city stepped in later with extra repairs for a homeowner, including new windows.
Saunders said homeowners from two parts of Aiken, the northwest and the northeast, have submitted the most applications.
What's being done?
The council is using that $75,000 in city funding to prioritize repairs that most affect safety, security, and basic livability for older homeowners.
To apply, residents submit photos documenting needed repairs and line up their own licensed, insured contractor. Per WJBF, the council then walks through each application with the homeowner to pinpoint which fixes matter most.
The program will keep accepting applications until funding runs dry, and interested residents can reach the group at AikenCouncilOfNeighborhoods@gmail.com.
Volunteers finished the work at Harris's home in about four hours. "Thank God. Amen. And hallelujah," Harris said. Saunders described the program's goal just as plainly: "We were like, no, we don't want anything from you. We just want to fix your home."
Where can I learn more?
Aiken's program is one example of the help some homeowners can tap for overdue repairs and upgrades. These stories cover free electric retrofits for seniors, repair programs for long-overlooked homes, and national funding residents can use for home improvements.
• In California, low-income seniors are receiving free electric home upgrades through a decarbonization project.
• In Brooklyn, EnergyFit is bringing much-needed home repairs to long-disinvested households.
• Across the US, a federal program could offer up to $14,000 for home renovations.
• Many homeowners still have government money available for major energy-saving home upgrades.
• Federal tax credits are putting up to $8,000 within reach for home upgrades.
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