CDBG Home Rehabilitation Programs
HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is the most common source of local home repair programs. Cities and counties receiving CDBG entitlement funding can use it for owner-occupied rehabilitation. Programs vary by locality but typically include deferred loans (forgiven if you stay 5–15 years), emergency repair grants for acute hazards, and accessibility modification programs. Income limit is typically 80% AMI. Call your city or county housing, community development, or neighborhood services department. For 2026 HUD policy context, see HUD Updates 2026.
HOME Investment Partnerships
HOME is HUD's largest affordable housing block grant. While primarily used for rental housing development, HOME can fund owner-occupied rehabilitation for households at or below 80% AMI. HOME programs are less common than CDBG repair programs but exist in many jurisdictions, often administered through Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs). Contact your city's housing department or a local CHDO to ask about HOME-funded owner-occupied rehabilitation.
Lead Hazard Control Grants
HUD's Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes awards competitive grants to state and local governments for free lead paint hazard remediation in privately owned pre-1978 housing. Households with children under 6 are the primary priority. To find active programs: call your local health department and ask about lead paint remediation assistance. If your child has an elevated blood lead level, contact the health department immediately — remediation of the living environment is typically prioritized as a public health response.
FHA 203(k) Renovation Loan
Not a grant but worth knowing: FHA 203(k) allows homeowners (and buyers) to finance renovations through an FHA-insured mortgage. A 203(k) refinance rolls renovation costs into a new mortgage using the home's improved value as collateral. The Limited version covers projects under $35,000; the Standard version covers major structural work with a HUD-approved consultant overseeing the project. Useful for homeowners with sufficient equity who can afford the resulting mortgage payment.
2026 HUD Grant Updates
CDBG allocations for FY2026 remained roughly flat year-over-year. HUD awarded a new round of Lead Hazard Reduction grants in 2025, potentially expanding lead remediation capacity in your area — check with your local health department. HOTMA income calculation changes (new $50,000 asset threshold) may affect eligibility for CDBG and HOME programs for households near the income limit.
How to Find Local HUD-Funded Programs
Four reliable approaches: (1) Call your city or county housing department — ask about housing rehabilitation programs for owner-occupied homes. (2) Contact your local CHDO (Community Housing Development Organization) — they administer many HOME and CDBG repair programs. (3) Call 211 and ask for home repair assistance for low-income homeowners. (4) Check the HUD CDBG grantee directory at hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/cdbg to confirm your city/county receives CDBG, then contact them directly.
Combining Multiple Sources
The most effective approach combines multiple funding sources. A failing furnace might be addressed by WAP (weatherization measure) + LIHEAP crisis funds (immediate heat emergency) + CDBG (gap filling WAP can't cover). Roof replacement might combine USDA 504 + CDBG + Rebuilding Together volunteer labor. Always tell each program about other sources you're exploring — agencies know the landscape and can often help coordinate. See also Free Home Repair Programs for the full picture.