Habitat’s home repair program is strongly tied to the vision that everyone in Tulare and Kings Counties deserves to have a decent, affordable place to live. With this in mind, there is a group of families that are desperately under-served.  Habitat for Humanity works with homeowners who already own their home but because of age, disability or circumstance, are unable to complete much-needed repairs. Utilizing volunteers from service groups, businesses, congregations, and community agencies when possible, Habitat for Humanity of Tulare/Kings Counties is serving these homeowners.

Habitat’s home repair program brings resources, volunteers, and homeowners together to repair roofs, paint, landscape, replace damaged windows and doors, repair plumbing and electrical problems, install wheelchair ramps, replace stoves and refrigerators, install weather-stripping and low-flow showerheads, repair or replace floors, and provide general clean-up. Homeowners repay the project costs to Habitat for Humanity with affordable monthly payments. Homeowners and family members work side by side with volunteers to complete the restoration of their home if they are able.  Our program helps individuals live in a safe, decent home and helps them achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance. (There is special financing available for qualified homeowners in the cities of Tulare and Porterville where no repayment is required.)

Homeowners are eligible to participate in the program based on the condition of the home, the income of the homeowners, and a demonstration of challenging circumstances such as disability, illness, or age that prevent them from doing the work themselves. Homeowners go through an application process to meet these eligibility requirements.  Each applicant’s home will be assessed for need and scope of work by Habitat for Humanity staff.  All able-bodied homeowners are required to work alongside volunteers.

Volunteers, when possible, will perform the majority of the work. Volunteers are recruited through businesses, congregations, and community groups. Team leaders are trained to organize, recruit, and prepare their teams for the task of working on a home. Volunteer teams of 5 – 10 individuals will be matched with homeowners based on several factors including project size, team size, and experience. Projects usually take up to 4 days to complete.

Some of the repair work falls outside the scope of non-professional volunteers so we also need volunteers from the building trades to assist with these repairs. If you are a plumber, carpenter, electrician or tile setter and feel that giving of your time and talent is a worthwhile investment, please contact the Habitat office. Volunteers are the cornerstone to the success of all Habitat for Humanity programs.

For more information about the Home Repair Program or to volunteer, call 559-734-4040 ext 106 or email programasst@hfhtkc.org. Check out our videos.

Donate to Habitat for Humanity of Tulare/Kings Counties and help even more families realize their dream of a simple, decent, affordable home. Send your donation to PO Box 848, Visalia CA, 93279 or donate online.