ReBuild program completes first project
On Sunday, April 27, at 1:00 p.m., agency staff and volunteers hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of ReBuild’s first project, for single mother Iris Mays and her 9-year-old son, who has autism.
Iris’ home was in great need of ReBuild repairs. The ReBuild program replaced parts of the home that were damaged by water and added a lockable water valve to prevent future accidents. These replacements improved the quality of life for the Mays family because there was mold in the home due to the water damange. The home had environmental improvements installed as well, including recycled fiber carpeting and programmable thermostats.
The ReBuild project for Iris was funded by The Madison Grant, and volunteers were provided by Woodmont Hills Family of God. Volunteers also donated an activity room for Iris’ son and provided storage and organizational materials for Iris.
What is ReBuild?
ReBuild is a program for low-income homeowners who are in need of home repairs. It is a “needs-based” program, meaning that the repairs are necessary to maintain a healthy, safe and accessible home.
ReBuild is committed to working with underserved low-income homeowners who, because of age, disability, place of residence, geographic location, race, sex, or socioeconomic status, have not historically sought, been eligible for, or received assistance.
What are the requirements?
To be eligible for ReBuild, homeowners must have a need for home repairs, the willingness to be a partner with our agency, and the means to make payments on a zero-interest loan for the work. Part of “need” means being within income guidelines, which are generally Homeowners who earn 50 percent or less of the median family income, including the elderly, disabled, veterans and current Habitat homeowners.
How do I apply?
The first step is to complete a brief questionnaire or you may call 615-254-4663 ext. 275 and ask that one be mailed to you. Questionnaires may also be picked up at our offices at 1006 8th Ave. S. in Nashville.
Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity’s family services department will review your questionnaire. If you are eligible, you will proceed to the next step, which is to fill out an application, which includes verifying income and employment history, and budgeting.
So it’s a loan? How much are the payments?
The amount of the zero-interest loan is determined by the size and scope of the project, spread over 15, 20 or 30 years, and Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity makes no profit on these loans.
Is this one of those “predatory lenders” I hear about?
No. Predatory lenders lure people into loans with higher interest rates than they can reasonably afford. Our loans have no interest at all ever—and are only for the cost of the repair project.
Will this put my home at risk?
Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity wants to help people remain homeowners. That is why we review family income closely, and we do not make loans that people cannot afford to make payments on. We make every effort to help families stay current on their payments, and budget coaches and classes are available to help.
What size projects do you do?
Projects range from $9,000 to $25,000.
Is the homeowner required to do "sweat equity?"
Yes. The number of hours of sweat equity required is in proportion to the scope of the project. For example, a $15,000 repair project would require the homeowner to complete 64 hours of sweat equity. Sweat equity hours can be earned by helping with the repair project, taking HomeWORKS classes, volunteering for the Habitat HomeStore or at the construction site where we build new homes. Homeowners with physical limitations are given the opportunity to work sweat equity hours that are within their abilities.
Do I have to sign complicated paperwork?
There are papers to sign, but our family services department walks the homeowner through every step. There is a basic construction contract, a promissory note, and a deed of trust.
Who completes the work?
Nashville Area Habitat trained staff and skilled volunteers, along with the participation of the homeowner according to his or her physical ability.
Why does Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity do this?
We want to help low-income people get, retain and grow access to wealth through homeownership. You may be familiar with our program to build homes. The ReBuild program extends our services to existing homeowners who are in danger of living in unsafe conditions because they cannot afford home repairs through conventional means. This includes elderly and disabled persons hoping to remain independent for as long as possible. The agency makes no profit from this program, so homeowners can trust that Habitat will recommend and provide quality services and only those that are in the best interest of the homeowner.
Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, disability, religion, national origin, family status, marital status, or because all or part of income is derived from any public program.
“Low-income homeowners often struggle to make ends meet and do not always have the resources available to make necessary major home repairs or to remodel their homes for energy efficiency. This causes the situation to become worse over time, and due to their limited income these homeowners are often the target of predatory lenders who charge high interest rates on home equity loans. We see the same things with elderly and disabled people, many of whom wish to ‘age in place’ and remain independent for as long as possible. These homeowners may need adaptations such as ramps or other changes to promote accessibility to things like cabinets and sinks.”
Randy Cortner, vice president of retail and ReBuild operations