Beverly Opens Free, Forgiveable Home Repair Loan Program

BEVERLY — The city of Beverly is accepting applications for a new home repair program funded through an $850,000 Community Development Fund grant awarded last October.

The program will provide no-payment, interest-free, forgivable 15-year loans to low-income households that need financial and technical support to make essential updates and code-related improvements to their homes.

The 2025 grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

To qualify, household income must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income. Applications are available through the City of Beverly website and through Essex County Habitat for Humanity.

The rehabilitation work will focus on critical repairs intended to keep properties safe and healthy. Eligible projects may include work needed to comply with the Massachusetts Sanitary Code Chapter II, abatement of lead-based paint or asbestos hazards, and repair or replacement of major systems such as heat, electric, or plumbing.

The program may also cover weatherization work, including insulation and window and door upgrades, as well as structural and foundation repairs and roof replacement.

Barrier removal and handicap accessibility improvements are also listed as eligible work to support disabled or elderly residents.

Essex County Habitat for Humanity is also seeking licensed contractors to bid on homeowner rehabilitation jobs connected to the program. For questions from applicants or contractors, the contact listed is Program Manager Wil Cruz, who can be reached at 978-681-8858 or wil@essexcountyhabitat.org.