This program can help existing low-income homeowners who physically or financially can’t afford vital maintenance of their homes.  This is a great opportunity to be a part of a program that benefits our entire community.  Volunteer teams are matched with homeowners based on the size of the project. A Brush with Kindness helps revitalize the appearance of the neighborhood, strengthens connections within the community and helps preserve affordable housing stock.

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The application for our Critical Home Repair program can be downloaded here.

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Qualifications:

• Home must be owner-occupied – NO RENTALS

• Mortgage and taxes must be up to date

• Must be willing to agree to incur a loan and/or property lien (if applicable).

• Detailed “Scope of Work” will be signed prior to start date

• Family must make long term commitment to occupy the home

• Must submit all documentation requested by HFHNEMI

• All able-bodied residents (18+) may need to contribute sweat equity based on project size

• Homeowner must be onsite at all times while HFHNEMI is present

• Owner must be realistic about scope of project and agree that some of the work may be completed by volunteers

• All pets must be contained while staff/volunteers are onsite

• No smoking, drinking, or drug consumption will be tolerated while staff/volunteers are onsite

• No one will be in possession of a firearm while staff/volunteers are onsite

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Funding Sources May Include:

• MSHDA

• HUD

• DTE/Consumers Energy

• The Home Depot

• Thrivent Builds

• Besser Foundation

• Carpenters Club

• Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan

• United Way of Northeast Michigan

• Neighborhood Revitalization Priority Home Repair Program

• Home Plus Aging in Place - Alpena County Older Persons Critical Home Repair