Help Keeping Your Home Safe, Warm, and Accessible
Low-income homeowners and renters across the New River Valley may qualify for grants, low-interest loans, and free repair programs. From leaky roofs and failing septic systems to accessibility ramps and energy weatherization — there's help available.
Most programs below are income-qualified — homeowners typically need to be at or below 80% of Area Median Income
Four Program Types
What Kind of Help Are You Looking For?
Programs are organized below into four categories. Many are income-based. If you're not sure where to start, call New River Community Action — they help residents navigate the USDA programs and can point you toward the right fit.
Category 1
General Repairs & Free Services
Floyd Initiative for Safe Housing (FISH)
An all-volunteer organization partnering with Habitat for Humanity NRV to provide safe, affordable housing repairs in Floyd County. Assists homeowners with up to $1,000 in materials to keep homes safe, warm, and dry. Apply through the NRV Habitat for Humanity website.
Apply via: 1675 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Josh Boothe
Renovation Alliance
Provides free critical home repairs to low-income homeowners (at or below 80% AMI) in Floyd County and surrounding areas. Services include accessible ramps, roof repair/replacement, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work. Must own your home.
SERCAP — Indoor Plumbing & Rehabilitation (IPR)
The IPR Flex Program provides indoor plumbing and rehabilitation services in Region 2, which includes Giles, Montgomery, Floyd, and Pulaski counties and surrounding areas.
Category 2
Weatherization & Energy Efficiency
Weatherization programs reduce energy costs by improving insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading heating systems. These federally-funded programs prioritize households with elderly residents, people with disabilities, and children. Income qualification is required.
Community Housing Partners — Weatherization (CHP Energy Solutions)
Administers the federally-funded Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). CHP conducts energy audits, improves insulation, seals air leaks, and upgrades heating systems for income-qualified households. Priority given to elderly residents, people with disabilities, and families with children.
Category 3
Accessibility Modifications
These programs help older adults and people with disabilities make modifications that allow them to remain safely in their homes — such as ramps, grab bars, walk-in showers, and widened doorways. Some serve homeowners; one grant is specifically for renters.
NRV Disability Resource Center
Provides home modifications (ramps, grab bars, walk-in showers, etc.) to financially eligible individuals through VA Housing (residents) and the Granting Freedom program (veterans). Serves Floyd, Montgomery, Pulaski, Giles, and Radford City.
Virginia Housing RUAM Grant Program
Provides up to $6,000 for accessibility modifications to rental units for persons with disabilities who earn at or below 80% of area median income. Administered locally through the NRV Disability Resource Center.
NRV Agency on Aging
Provides information and referrals for housing targeted to older adults and their caregivers, including assistance applying for accessible housing accommodations and help finding services to install accessible features in a home.
Virginia Dept. for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
May provide accessibility modification assistance for people with disabilities who want to work or maintain employment. Helps adapt homes so individuals can get to and keep jobs. Contact the local Christiansburg office.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — SAH Grant
The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant helps disabled veterans make modifications to their homes. Applicants must register through the VA. Contact the Salem VA office for assistance.
210 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24011
Livable Homes Tax Credit (Virginia DHCD)
Virginia state tax credits up to $5,000 for purchasing a new accessible residence, or up to 50% (max $5,000) for retrofitting an existing home for accessibility. Contact the Virginia Dept. of Housing and Community Development.
Category 4
Loans, Grants & Financial Programs
From USDA home repair loans and SERCAP well/septic programs to Virginia state tax credits, these financial tools help low-income homeowners afford repairs they couldn't pay for out of pocket.
USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program
Provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes, and grants to very-low-income elderly homeowners to eliminate health and safety hazards. New River Community Action (NRCA) helps residents apply locally.
SERCAP — Individual Household Well Loan Program
Low-interest 1% loans up to $11,000 for rural community residents (population under 25,000) to drill new wells or repair existing household water systems. Available to low-to-moderate income households.
SERCAP — Individual Septic System Loan Program
Loans up to $15,000 for new or alternative septic systems in rural communities. Interest rates range from 3% to 6% based on household income. Available to residents of rural communities in the SERCAP service area.
SERCAP — Community Development Loan Program
Provides financing for local governments, nonprofits, public service authorities, and community organizations for building acquisitions, renovations, construction, and land purchases. Not for individual homeowners.
Not sure which program fits your situation?
New River Community Action can help you navigate USDA and other repair programs at no cost.