Home modifications and repairs can be costly, this article is a starting point to finding financial assistance and the right contractors for home repairs.
Maintaining a safe and comfortable environment, especially for seniors and adults with disabilities, is essential for protecting their independent living. Often times, these home modifications can be costly, and for low-income individuals this can put their health and safety at risk. For Middle Tennesseans, there are a variety of programs to assist with the financial burden of such repairs, as well as programs to weatherize their homes, bringing their overall energy costs down.
Statewide, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) offers Home Uplift, a program that partners with local electricity providers to help low-income homeowners receive energy efficient upgrades. Such improvements include installation or repair of HVAC units, insulation, and installing energy efficient appliances. More information can be found on the website linked above, or by calling 1-888-986-7262. Learn about other state sponsored energy efficiency programs by visiting the Clean Energy Financing tab on the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation's website.
What programs are there specifically for Davidson County residents?
The Metro Development and Housing Agency offers grants for home repair projects, including weatherization and ventilation, electrical, plumbing, and roof repair. Additionally, the grants can assist with making the home more accessible, such as installing grab bars and ramps, widening doorways, and installing safety equipment for people with hearing impairments. Visit the Home Repairs Program tab on their website, or call (615)252-8530 to learn more.
Rebuilding Together Nashville is a local non-profit organization that works with construction professionals and volunteers to make home repairs for residents in the Greater Bordeaux and Dickerson Road Corridor. Some examples of home improvements include roof and insulation repair, minor plumbing, painting, and weatherization. To learn more about their home improvement program, including how to qualify for services, visit the Get Help tab on their website.
What programs are there specifically for Clarksville residents?
The City of Clarksville Neighborhood & Community Services department offers home modifications and repairs for low-income residents, especially those who are elderly or have a disability. Services include installing ramps or grab bars, as well as electrical, roof and weatherization repair. Find more information, including how to apply, by visiting the Home Rehabilitation Program tab on their website.
Clarksville-Montgomery County Community Action Agency offers grants to low-income homeowners, and renters with their landlord’s permission, toward weatherizing their homes. The Weatherization Assistance Program covers home improvements that ultimately make the home more energy efficient, reducing utility costs for residents. Learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process by visiting the links above, or by calling (931)896-1800.
I live in a more rural community, what help is there for me?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Office offers low-income homeowners’ loans and/or grants for home repair, improvement, and modernization. Eligible home repairs include weatherization, roof replacement, and structural repairs. Learn more about the program, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, at the Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants tab on their website, or by calling the Tennessee office at (615) 783-1300.
The Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency (MCCCA) offers low-income individuals and families financial aid towards improving their home’s energy efficiency through the Weatherization Assistance Program. Additionally, MCCCA offers programs to assistance families with nutrition services, utility bills and financial education. MCCCA has offices in Cheatham, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson counties. Learn more about their programs on their website linked above.
I’m thinking about hiring a contractor independently, where do I start?
For those looking to hiring a contractor directly, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers free resources to educate consumers on how to identify dependable and honest businesses. Visit the BBB article, “BBB Tip: Hire a reliable and trustworthy contractor” for useful information when it comes to finding someone to complete your home repair projects.
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance assures quality and fair construction practices. Through the Contractors & Home Improvement tab on their website, consumers can verify the license of contractors or file complaints about contractors.
Can GNRC help me with home modifications?
While the Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) does not offer home repair services directly, seniors and adults with disabilities who qualify for long-term home and community based services through CHOICES or state-funded OPTIONS may be able to receive home repairs or modifications within their care plan.
TennCare CHOICES in Long-Term Services and Supports (CHOICES for short) is for individuals requiring, or at risk of requiring, a nursing home level of care and who qualify for Medicaid long-term services. As the single-point of entry for Middle Tennesseans, GNRC assists TennCare by conducting screenings and determining eligibility for the program. To learn more about CHOICES visit our article “What is CHOICES and do I qualify for it?”
OPTIONS for Community Living is the state-funded program created to provide seniors and adults with disabilities home and community-based services. This program is considered a last resort to TennCare CHOICES and is facilitated through the Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) a department within GNRC. To learn more about OPTIONS, visit our article “What is OPTIONS and do I qualify for it?” Please note, currently there is a multi-year waiting list to receive OPTIONS services.
To begin the screening process for these programs call our Information and Assistance Hotline to speak with a qualified staff member at (615)255-1010.
Have more questions? Call Our Helpline
Call our Information and Assistance Hotline to learn more about any of GNRC's programs and services. 615-255-1010 or 866-836-6678