The HomeWorks HELP (Home Equity Loan Program) provides eligible Boston owner-occupants of 1- 4-family homes and condominium units with an interest-free loan for home repairs.
What are the benefits?
- Receive an interest-free loan of up to $10,000 for interior repairs to your home that may be forgiven after five years if you maintain this property as your primary residence
- Receive an additional loan of up to $5,000 for exterior repairs to your home
- Receive technical assistance from our construction experts to help you with contractor selection, monitoring work quality, and post-renovation inspection
Who is eligible?
- Must be an owner-occupant
- Must have a household income at or below $75,750 for a one person household, or at or below $95,000 for a two or more person household
- Must adhere to the following HomeWorks HELP funding terms:
- For those households with an annual income above 80% CDBG Area Median Income (AMI) as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), homeowner must be able to provide a dollar for dollar match to the funding amount provided by the City. (Homeowners with an annual income that is at or below 80% AMI are not required to provide matching funds.) View HUD Income Eligibility Requirements
- Homeowners who relocate, sell, receive a cash-out refinance, or transfer the deed to their home anytime prior to the end of the 5 year loan period must repay the loan in full at zero interest.
- For those households with an annual income above 80% CDBG Area Median Income (AMI) as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), homeowner must be able to provide a dollar for dollar match to the funding amount provided by the City. (Homeowners with an annual income that is at or below 80% AMI are not required to provide matching funds.) View HUD Income Eligibility Requirements
What properties are eligible?
- Single-family, two-family, three-family, four-family homes and condominium units that are owner-occupied and located in the City of Boston. (Please note: some owner occupants of condominium properties, up to six units, may be eligible for assistance with special assessments or common area repairs.)
What types of repairs are eligible?
Some examples of interior repairs with standard finishes and grades are:
- Perform health and safety repairs (* Please note: interior and exterior health and safety repairs must be addressed before other home repair projects)
- Repair or replace a heating system
- Repair or upgrade an inadequate electrical system
- Replace a kitchen or bathroom
- Repair flooring
Some examples of exterior repairs with standard finishes and grades are:
- Painting
- Repair or replace a porch
- Repair or replace a roof
- Restore a foundation
- Repair or replace clapboards or vinyl siding
- Replace windows
* Please note: ‘luxury’ repair items are not eligible for funding. Examples of ineligible repair projects: adding a granite counter top, installing a jacuzzi, landscaping work, adding a driveway or new living space.
* Please note: You may also be eligible for additional Boston Home Center home repair programs for certain projects having to do with lead abatement. Please call the Boston Home Center at 617.635.HOME to learn more. Â
How Do I Apply and What happens next?
- Choose a home repair project and get at least two estimates from licensed, insured contractors
- Apply to the City of Boston for HomeWorks HELP funding
Download the application and submit a completed version with all required documentation by mail to the Boston Home Center to be reviewed for eligibility. A Construction Specialist will arrange to visit your home to review and approve the scope of work of your project.
- Finalize your HomeWorks HELP loan Â
Once the construction Specialist approves your contractor’s cost estimate, you may complete the remaining paperwork for your loan. You will then receive a commitment letter from the City stating that HomeWorks HELP funds have been set aside for your project.
- Begin repair work on your home
When the repair work on your home is complete, submit a final invoice from your contractor and a copy of the building permit to the Boston Home Center. A final review of the completed repair work will be conducted by your Construction Specialist.
Have questions?
For more information about the HomeWorks HELP program, call:
The Boston Home Center
Department of Neighborhood Development
26 Court Street
Boston MA 02108
Phone: 617.635.HOME (4663)
Email: HomeCenter.DND@cityofboston.gov
©2009 The City of Boston