Habitat For Humanity Of Tuscaloosa Offering Roof Repair Grants To Eligible Homeowners

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Homeowners in four West Alabama counties may be eligible for a $10,000 grant to help pay for a new, storm-resistant roof through a partnership between Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa and Strengthen Alabama Homes.

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The nonprofit announced that residents of Greene, Hale, Pickens and Tuscaloosa counties can apply for the FORTIFIED Roof Program, which provides wind-mitigation upgrades for existing, owner-occupied, single-family homes.

Habitat says funding for the program comes from the insurance industry.

The work completed through the program must meet the FORTIFIED Roof standard, a nationally recognized construction standard designed to help homes better withstand high winds and severe weather.

Homes with a FORTIFIED Roof™ designation may qualify for discounts on the wind portion of homeowners insurance policies.

To qualify, homes must be located in one of the four eligible counties and must not be listed for sale during the application process.

Other things to know:

• Eligible homes must be built on a permanent foundation.
• Mobile or manufactured homes, townhomes, duplexes and condominiums are not eligible.
• Homes must also be structurally sound and Habitat says it will not perform additional repairs such as fascia, soffit or siding work.
• Applicants must be listed on the deed and live in the home as their primary residence.
• The home must be covered by a current homeowners insurance policy with wind coverage, and flood insurance is required for homes located in flood zones.
• Homeowners who have filed an insurance claim for roof damage within the past six months are not eligible.
• Household income, regardless of family size, may not exceed $85,687 annually.
• Applicants must submit documentation verifying all household income.
• Board members, officers and employees of Habitat for Humanity, along with their immediate family members, are not eligible to apply.

There is no application fee but Habitat says approved homeowners who accept the grant must pay a $350 FORTIFIED evaluation fee before work begins.

The nonprofit also said any costs that exceed the $10,000 grant amount are the homeowner’s responsibility.

While Habitat does not offer financing for overages, it partners with a local credit union that may offer low-interest loans.

Applications must be completed, notarized where required, and mailed or delivered within seven days of receipt.

Habitat said processing can take several months and is contingent on available funding and acceptable home inspections.

Click here to apply.

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