Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Lori Pace
What can you do if you don’t have enough money but need a mobile home repair? What are the options for elderly and disabled owners of mobile homes who don’t have a lot but still need their homes fixed? There are some loans and grants for low-income families for mobile home repair.
USDA Programs For Low-Income Mobile Home Repair Loans & Grants
Section 504 – The Rural Repair And Rehabilitation Loan & Grants Program
The Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Loan and Grant Program (also known as Section 504 loan and grants fund) is a USDA program that helps with mobile home repairs and improvements if the following conditions are met.
Repairs To Mobile And Manufactured Homes Section 504
- The applicant is the owner of the property and has lived in the house for at least one year before filing the application.
- These repairs are necessary to eliminate safety or health hazards.
- The home is either permanently or will be placed permanently with Section 504 funds.
The USDA has Low-Income Mobile Home Repair Loans & Grants
Here are some examples of the mobile home improvements and repairs that USDA loans and grants may cover:
- Roof replacement or repair
- Insulation, storm windows, caulking, doors, and caulking
- Safety-compliant wood-burning stoves
- Repair of structural supports
- Large families will appreciate the addition of a room
- Provisional repair of sewage and water systems
- Reasonable connection charges
- Wiring
- Due to former occupants, repairs are required
- Loans are subject to fees
- Accessible for handicapped persons (if necessary)
- Flood Insurance
Additional USDA Programs for Mobile Homeowners
The USDA is the best place to start if you want to own a small mobile home that can be moved around on a farm. A loan or grant may be available to you.
Low-income families can also be assisted in purchasing homes through programs. Section 502. The Direct Loan Program assists low-income families to obtain affordable housing in rural areas. It provides payment assistance that increases a borrower’s ability to repay.
Lenders can use the Single Family Housing Loan Guarantees to help low-income families purchase adequate, modest, decent, safe, and sanitary dwellings in rural areas. For families who want to start farming, loans are available. More loans can be found here.
HUD Programs For Low-Income Mobile Home Repair Loans
FHA / Title I
The Title I loan must be financed by an ender approved for Title I loans. You must use it for repairs or improvements to a residence that has not been occupied for more than 90 days.
- For a manufactured house that is not real property, unsecured loans up to $7500 can be obtained.
- If the manufactured home is eligible for real property loans, amounts up to $7500 unsecured and a maximum of $25,000 secured are possible.
Both homes are subject to a minimum loan term of 6 months. For manufactured homes, the maximum loan term is 12 years and 32 calendar days. The HUD supports many home mortgage and home repair programs. The HUD should be your first port of call if you want to purchase a home anywhere in the world. This link is from a private lender and contains a complete listing of HUD programs in each state.
Weatherization Programs And Low-Income Home Repair Loans & Grants
Energy.gov offers a program to help homeowners weatherize their homes for little or no cost. The Energy.gov website has more information about the program. You are eligible for weatherization assistance automatically if you have Supplemental Security Income, Aid to Families With Dependent Children, or Aid to Families. States may prefer:
- Seniors over 60
- Families that have one or more members who have disabilities
- Families with children in most states
These weatherization programs can be run by a state weatherization office. Most of these weatherization agencies work with energy professionals and are non-profit. You will need to search for the advocacy department in your state.
LIHEAP
LIHEAP is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It assists low-income families in paying their winter heating bills. Although it is not a home repair program, you may be able to save enough money to make a critical repair.
Energy Star Tax Credits And Rebates
ENERGY STAR(r), a government-backed symbol of energy efficiency, is a symbol. Consumers and businesses can rely on this information to make informed decisions. Homeowners who purchase EnergyStar products can get tax credits and rebates from EnergyStar. These rebates can be quite attractive, too.
Layaway Programs
Kmart Layaway
Kmart’s layaway program is well-known. It was a great program that everyone loved.
Walmart Layaway
Walmart offers a holiday layaway program that starts in September. You only need to pay 10% or $10 down, and there is no interest. You can lease small appliances, and you can refinance large furniture. Beware of “Walmart.com”, which is essentially a copy of Amazon, and there are other companies that sell stuff on it. However, you don’t get the same benefits if you purchase something from another seller as you would with a Walmart item.
Sears Layaway
Sears offers an 8-week layaway program to help you with appliances and home improvement.
Mobile Home Parts Store Layaway
Mobile Home Parts Store provides a layaway program that allows you to purchase all of your mobile home materials for your remodeling project. This is a great way for you to work on one project at once without borrowing money.
Volunteer Programs For Mobile Home Owners In Need
School Volunteer Programs
Volunteer programs may be available to people with disability or a senior. Ask your high school if they offer a program for building or construction or if it is possible to volunteer your time to fix your home.
You could contact your local trade school to ask for assistance if they have a program in construction (or plumbing or electrical). Although you would need to provide the materials and pull permits, there is still the possibility of free labor.
Local Government Programs
Many small towns and counties receive federal grants to support neighborhood revitalization or energy-saving programs. To find out if your local courthouse, city hall, or municipal office can assist you, call them.
Church Ministry Volunteer Programs
Many out-of-state churches visit Southern WV to volunteer with elderly and disabled homeowners. Southern West Virginia is one of the poorest areas in the country, so they may have chosen the area because it is the most affordable. However, it is a good idea to call your local churches before you ask them for help.
Habitat For Humanity
Habitat For Humanity does more than build houses. They offer financial education and neighborhood revitalization services. Click the link to learn more about their programs.
