Question: I am on a fixed income and need home repairs, such as making my home more accessible and fixing my old roof. I canβt afford to hire a professional, but I donβt want someone who doesnβt know what they are doing. Who can I call to help with my homeβs repairs?
Answer: Habitat for Humanity Tucson may be able to help.
Through their Home Repair Program, Habitat for Humanity Tucson works with selected partners to provide home improvements for homeowners who fall into a particular income bracket and demonstrate a need for home repairs. The program has two key components: Critical Home Repair and A Brush with Kindness. The Critical Home Repair part focuses on the big issues such as interior work or structural problems. A Brush With Kindness is an exterior refresh often completed after the interior and structural work.
You may be required to repay a portion of the cost of materials based on a sliding scale and ability.
To find out if you qualify, visit habitattucson.org/housing-and-repair/home-repairs.
Be aware that they do not offer emergency repair services. If you need a repair right away, call Pima Neighborhood Investment Partnership at 520-295-2925; City of Tucson Community Development at 520-791-4636 (if you are in the city of Tucson); or Community Home Repair Projects of Arizona at 520-745-2055.
Habitat for Humanity Tucson also serves disadvantaged seniors addressing aging-in-place. Tub-to-shower conversions, plumbing, electrical, structural, roof, paint and other repairs are a significant part of what makes them the nationβs No. 1 affiliate to serve families. They also hold a contractorβs license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
The organization also serves our veteransβ community in a big way. Through their Veteranβs Assistance Program, they are one of the largest entities serving the housing needs of veterans in Arizona.
Since 2013, Habitat for Humanity Tucson has supported veteran families through homeownership, critical home repairs, employment and volunteer opportunities.
If you are a veteran needing housing assistance, apply at habitattucson.org/housing-and-repair/veteran-assistance.
Q: Where can I find used quality home materials and furniture?
A: I like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, also called HabiStore. There are stores across the country, with eight in Arizona. The Tucson location is at 935 W. Grant Road, just east of I-10.
The stores are geared toward home improvement projects and have building materials, furniture, fixtures and art. Habitat uses the storeβs profits to fund additional energy-efficient homes, which turns reused materials into houses for others.
Depending on what has been donated, a buyer may get lucky and score a gently used Wolf Range for 50% of the cost of a new one. You just have to go often and look around to find the gems. You can also shop online at habistore.org/pages/shop-now.
According to the HabiStore, they serve as a recycling hub that helps people keep working and useable household items out of landfills. The store hosts workshops on repurposing items. Last year, they reported rescuing 1,200 tons of reusable materials from landfills. Every item donation and purchase helps fund their mission to build more affordable homes. They have built 75 homes through revenue generated in the store. So, your items will not only be given new life in another home but the items you donate help build new homes.
Itβs like Goodwill meets The Home Depot.
Q: How can I help Habitat for Humanity in Tucson?
A: There are a few ways you can help.
As noted above, when disposing of household items, building materials, or even an old car, donate them to Habitat for Humanity.
Get your hands dirty and volunteer to build at a construction site. If thatβs not your skillset, they need volunteers in the office, the HabiStore, and the CHUCK Center. The CHUCK Center provides internship opportunities and real-world experience building affordable housing.
From providing helpful customer service to creating DIY projects and displays, repairing furniture, organizing inventory and training the next generation of home builders, they will find a place where you will fit and a role that interests you.
For the 2023 tax year, if you file a single return, you may receive a tax credit of up to $421. If filing jointly, you may receive a credit of up to $841. Confirm your tax credits with your accountant or CPA, or contact GiveLocalKeepLocal.org.
The goal for all Habitat affiliates is to give the community a hand-up, not a handout.
