Published in the Brattleboro Reformer 1/31/24
BRATTLEBORO — For homeowners in Windham and Windsor counties who have been putting off essential home repairs for financial reasons, it might be time to put those projects on the front burner. The Green Mountain Home Repair program offers an affordable way to tackle home improvement and repair and is now accepting applications from income eligible homeowners.
Available through Windham & Windsor Housing Trust, Green Mountain Home Repair offers low-cost loans, flexible terms, support with identifying a contractor, and project oversight. When grant funds are available, eligible households may also receive grant money. The program also assists landlords with necessary repairs in to to four unit rental buildings.
“Home repair and home improvement can be an overwhelming process for any homeowner,” said Bruce Whitney, director of Homeownership for WWHT. “That is the beauty of the GMHR program. Not only do we make it affordable, but we guide you through the process, help you find a qualified contractor, and oversee the project from start to finish. We work with the homeowner every step of the way.”
Examples of eligible uses of the GMHR program include health and safety issues, structural problems, failing mechanical systems, energy efficiency upgrades, and interior and exterior modifications for elderly or disabled individuals. The overarching goal of the program is to help as many as people as possible address critical home repair needs.
In order to qualify for the program, an applicant’s household income needs to be no more than 80 percent of their county’s median household income. That number varies according to county and the number of people in the household. Applications range from senior citizens on fixed income, to young families, to the disabled population needing to address accessibility.
“Smart repairs to your home can make life a little better, safer, more comfortable, and often save you money in the long term,” adds Whitney. “Your home is your biggest investment, and keeping up with home repair protects that investment for the future.”
WWHT’s home repair program has been in operation since 2001. In 2017 the program boosted its outreach efforts when it was re-branded as the Green Mountain Home Repair program. In all, the program has completed over 600 home repair projects across the agency’s service map.
