Warren County Habitat for Humanity (Warren County Habitat) has for many years helped existing homeowners with minor repairs or maintenance through our Hope in the Hills of Warren program. In 2021 Warren County Habitat expanded its home maintenance effort by launching our Critical Home Repair program that provided project cost forgiveness, and possible zero interest loans for projects that were needed to improve the health and safety of low and moderate income homeowners. That program provided for home repairs including, but not limited to: roof replacement, window replacement, repointing of bricks, porch repairs, step replacement, replacing old kitchen and bathroom fixtures, shower installation, replacing basement sump pumps, and others. These programs were combined and expanded as part of our Home Repair Program in the spring of 2023.

Warren County Habitat’s Home Repair Program includes three individual components that are designed to help existing low to moderate income homeowners to remain safely in their homes. To qualify your household income must be less than 80% of the median annual housing income (AMI) within Warren County, and you must be a homeowner with a need for maintenance or repairs to your existing residence. The three program components include:

Home Maintenance

Hope in the Hills of Warren (HHW) assists low and moderate income homeowners one weekend a year with minor repairs and cleanup to the interior and exterior of their homes and may include painting, minor repairs to the interior and exterior of the home, and yard or home cleanup. This program is funded by HHW and completed free of charge to the homeowners. This program is administered through the Hope in the Hills of Warren Steering Committee and is currently available in the Washington area.

A Touch of Kindness (TOK) is our new program that is an extension of Hope in the Hills of Warren. This program assists low and moderate income homeowners with more extensive repairs than covered above, but less than those of our Home Repair. The program is completed by volunteers on a continuing basis throughout the year and anticipates that homeowners will cover the costs of materials whenever possible. If the homeowner is eligible they can receive funding of up to $500 for material costs from the Affiliate. The Board of Directors can approve greater amounts should the amount needed for materials be greater than $500, but less than $2,500. The program is operated through the Affiliate office.

Critical Home Repair (CHR)

CHR assists low and moderate income homeowners with more extensive repairs needed to their home and may include, but is not limited to: roof replacement or repairs, HVAC modifications and repairs, deck or porch replacement, new windows, repairs to or replacement of siding, waterproofing of basements, bathroom and kitchen repairs or replacement, etc. Projects up to $20,000, or $25,000 for roof replacement, can be completed with project cost forgiveness on a sliding scale based on AMI and the potential of zero percent loans for qualifying applicants.

Aging in Place (AIP)

Using a more holistic approach to home repairs to focus on helping the aging senior population of Warren County (60 years old or older) age safely in their homes and may include interior or exterior modifications to allow for wheelchair access, installation of grab bars, conversion of tubs into walk in showers, installation of handrails, and other modifications as needed to prevent falls, and to make the home ADA compliant. Projects up to $20,000 can be completed with project cost forgiveness on a sliding scale based on AMI and the potential of zero percent loans for qualifying applicants.

Application periods for CHR and AIP programs vary so please check our website often to find out when we are accepting applications. To request notification please call our office at (908) 835-1300 ext. 10.