Home Repair Programs

The resources listed on this page are proud to be a part of Take Root Milwaukee, and are committed to assisting homeowners to maintain and make needed repairs on their homes. They offer extensive local expertise of the various programs and resources available.

CITY OF MILWAUKEE

The City of Milwaukee provides a variety of resources for homeowners and homebuyers, including matching grants for home repairs, forgivable loan programs and other resources. You can use the City of Milwaukee Housing Help Tool to find information on programs administered by the City that best match your situation.

    • Targeted Investment Neighborhoods (TIN)Through the TIN program, the City focuses funds and resources in a small area (6-12 blocks) for approximately three years. Homeowners and landlords in the area can use the program to make common household repairs and updates.
  • Milwaukee Shines: The City of Milwaukee’s solar energy program can help you install solar panels on your home or business.

NONPROFIT RESOURCES

Community First
NIP Home Repair and Washington Park NID
(414) 377-4481 or www.cfmke.org
A nonprofit organization responsible for administering the City of Milwaukee Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) and housing funds for the Washington Park NID. Their services include general home repair (other programs, fee-for-fee service, etc) and NIP and NID programs (annual applications for NIP open on February 15th each year).

Housing Resources, Inc.
(414) 449-0705 or www.hri-wi.org
If you are planning a DIY project, HRI’s Tool Loan Program can lend you the tools you need to complete your project.

Milwaukee Christian Center
(414) 902-5382 or www.mccwi.org
Milwaukee Christian Center is a multi-service organization that works to build strong neighborhoods full of opportunity. We approach that work through four core areas: housing, youth development, older adults, and food security – serving over 6,400 people each year. What began with American Baptist roots providing outreach to immigrants on Milwaukee’s south side in 1921, MCC now serves youth, families, and older adults of all races, ethnicities, religions, and ages throughout the city of Milwaukee.

  • Housing Accessibility Project (HAP): provides custom-designed ramps for low-income homeowners who need wheelchair access. This free service increases freedom and quality of life for physically challenged Milwaukee residents designated as low-income under HUD guidelines.
  • Neighborhood Improvement Project: improves housing conditions for eligible low-income homeowners living in deteriorating and unsafe homes. These free services ensure that homes comply with local residential dwelling codes. Services can include roofing, siding, heating, electrical, painting and structural improvements.

Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity
414-316-5606 or www.milwaukeehabitat.org
Habitat’s Critical Home Repair Program is available to residents of Milwaukee’s Washington Park, Midtown, Harambee, Amani and Metcalfe Park neighborhoods. The program offers 0% interest loans of up to $15,000 for home repairs, with priority given to seniors, persons with disabilities, military veterans, single parents, and large families (five or more residents). View website or call for additional guidelines and requirements.

Revitalize Milwaukee
(414) 312-7531 or
www.freehomerepairs.org
Revitalize Milwaukee offers free home repairs for income-eligible seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. Revitalize Milwaukee focuses on repairs that will allow clients to remain in their home safely and independently.

NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCES

Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative
(414) 312-7531 or kallyn@rtmilwaukee.org
Administered by Revitalize Milwaukee, CSNI’s reimbursable matching grant is available to residential property owners in Clark Square. The grant reimburses up to $3,000 for approved projects. Project must be approved prior to materials being purchased or work beginning. Property owners must pay upfront and receive reimbursement once project is complete. Funds must be used for improvements made to the exterior, front of the house. Improvements may include roof, windows, paint, porch repair, and more. Service Area: Pierce Street to Greenfield Ave, and Layton Boulevard to Cesar Chaves Drive.  clarkesquare.org

Havenwoods Neighborhood Partnership
(414) 431-2274 or sharling@havenwoods.org
Targeted Investment Neighborhood: Income eligible homeowners living in the Havenwoods TIN area may qualify for a $30,000 partially-forgivable loan for home improvements. Homeowners and landlords who use the program can make common household repairs and updates. Service Area: 43rd Street to 76th Street, and Silver Spring Drive to Good Hope Road.  havenwoods.org

Near West Side Partners
Live Work Play Incentive
In order to support homeowners interested in repairing and improving their residences, Near West Side Partners is offering dollar-for-dollar matching grants, up to $1000, for home repairs and improvements. Eligible homeowners must own a home in the Near West Side and occupy it as their primary residence. All repairs or improvements must address an exterior condition that can be viewed from the street -or- address an emergency repair ordered by the Department of Neighborhood Services. The grant will provide a dollar-for-dollar match for repairs, up to $1000. For example, if your project costs $2,000 or more, the grant will cover $1,000. If your project costs $500, the grant will cover up to $250. Property owners of all incomes are eligible.

Riverworks Development Corporation
(414) 906-9650 or riverworksmke.org
The Harambee Neighborhood Investment District (NID) is run by a board of elected residents. The NID assesses $50/unit per year to the property taxes of all residential properties within the NID boundaries and pools that money to fund a home repair GRANT. All property owners within the boundaries (priority given to owner-occupants) with demonstrated financial need are eligible to apply for the grant. Eligible repairs included exterior items such as roofs, siding, windows, doors, & painting and interior items such as plumbing & electrical.

Sherman Park
414-444-9803 or shermanpark.org
Sherman park residents are encouraged to apply for the Neighborhood Improvement Project (NIP). The NIP assists eligible owner occupants in repairing their homes. All repairs are based upon municipal building code violations, lead hazard reduction, health, and safety concerns. NIP is not a remodeling program. To be considered for the NIP program, homeowners can complete the NIP pre-screening to find out if they may be eligible by clicking the following link: Check Your NIP Eligibility
Contact info@shermanpark.org with questions.

Sherman Park Neighborhood Improvement District #4 (NID)
Home-owner-occupants in the designated Sherman Park Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) area are eligible for up to $5,000 in home improvement assistance. The Sherman Park Community Association administers the grants for the NID. The NID provides modest grants homeowners of single family homes and duplexes in the WP NID Area (e.g. $500 – $5,000 each) to make the following improvements to their properties: energy efficiency improvements, repairs to increase water efficiency, repairs to the structural condition of the property (including roof repairs), safety improvements (including lighting, fencing and garages) and repairs to increase the curb appeal of property (“Improvements”).

Sherman Park Targeted Investment Neighborhoods (TINs)
SPCA will also assist residents with their applications to the TIN programs. The goal of the program is to support and encourage homeowners and responsible landlords to improve the safety and appearance of the neighborhood. Homeowners and landlords who use the program can make common household repairs and updates. Priority Repairs: Code violation repairs; Lead paint abatement; Exterior appearance; Heating & plumbing upgrades; Energy conservation; Weatherization; Window replacement; Electrical upgrades.

VIA Community Development Corporation
(414) 944-6007 or cassandra@viacdc.org
Home Improvement Matching Grants: Homeowners and property owners in Silver City, Burnham Park, Layton Park can apply for $1000 matching grants available to owners of all incomes for exterior repairs. Targeted Investment Neighborhood: Income eligible homeowners living in the Burnham-Layton TIN area may qualify for a $30,000 partially-forgivable loan. Service Area: Layton Blvd to Miller Park Way, and Pierce Street to Lincoln Avenue.  viacdc.org