Home Preservation Program

Historically Habitat for Humanity for San Luis Obispo County (HFHSLOCO) has brought people together to build homes, communities, and hope by building new homes that we sell to qualifying low-income families. Over time, however, we have recognized that building the new homes is only one way in which we can assist low income families and individuals to have safe, decent, and healthy homes. Our Home Preservation program allows us to assist low-income homeowners maintain and preserve their homes and property. Often these homeowners are able to make their mortgage payments, but do not have additional funds to maintain their homes and property so that they can continue to be livable and comfortable.

Our Home Preservation program provides painting, landscaping, and minor repair services for homeowners in need. It helps low-income homeowners reclaim their homes. Most important, the Home Preservation program is part of Habitat’s broader neighborhood revitalization strategy, a holistic approach that assists and stabilizes communities as well as families. It revitalizes the appearance of the neighborhood and strengthens connections within the community. Our Home Preservation program is about restoring neighborhoods one home at a time through simple acts of kindness.

We have partnered our Home Preservation program with an Aging in Place initiative where we work with senior homeowners to ensure that their homes can support them as they age. A special assessment is done for the homes of seniors to determine what can be done to assist them in living comfortably in their homes, including the installation of grab bars, low-level carbon monoxide detectors, evaluation of trip hazards, and furnace servicing.

As with our Habitat home builds, home preservation projects will be done by volunteers willing to assist families through their time and with their skills.

• Own the home and provide a copy of the deed on your home or other proof of ownership (e.g., a property tax receipt) All documents submitted must show the name and address of the applicant.
• Provide a copy of your homeowner’s insurance or a copy of a recent insurance bill.
• Income must fall within 30%-60% of the median income for the County. Click here for Income Qualification Level table.
• Include a statement verifying income. All adults living in the house who are over the age of 18 must submit an income document (or prove current student status) showing name and address. Income verification must include a copy of the most recent tax return AND one or more of the following, as applicable: monthly social security receipts, other retirement income receipts, employment check stubs, and/or benefits for children.
• Have the ability to partner with Habitat through sweat equity. Sweat equity includes working with the volunteers on the repairs of your home. Seniors and persons with serious medical conditions may complete the sweat equity requirement by doing alternative activities such as signing in volunteers or providing water and snacks.

Household Income Limits for San Luis Obispo County as of April 2017
SLO County Department of Planning and Building Affordable Housing Standards

Click here to download the application