Keeping your home in good shape is fundamental to preserving its value and making it a place you love to live. But not everyone has the means to fix and maintain everything they need to. For people who live in Durham, North Carolina and are struggling to pay for that kind of upkeep, the City of Durham Home Repair & Rehabilitation Program (DHRRP) may offer assistance.
We created this guide to the program to help homeowners who are tight on funds get a better understanding of it. You’ll learn what the program is, what it can and can’t pay for, and who is eligible. We’ll also show you how to apply if you think you might be able to take part.
What Is the Durham Home Repair & Rehabilitation Program?
The Home Repair & Rehabilitation Program is a financial resource co-managed by the City of Durham and Habitat for Humanity. It provides funding for home improvement projects that helps make homes more accessible, more energy-efficient, safer, and generally more livable.
This program is designed to help people in Durham — especially seniors and those with disabilities — maintain a strong quality of life and stay in their homes. Repairing and updating homes is typically more cost-effective than moving, and causes less disruption in a person’s life.
Who Is Eligible for the Durham Home Repair & Rehabilitation Program?
Not everyone can take advantage of the DHRRP. Eligibility is restricted and based on several factors. Certain factors also affect how applicants are prioritized for approval.
Generally speaking, the City of Durham government awards funding in order of need. That means that among Durham residents who are eligible, those considered the most in need are likely to be approved first.
Homeownership Status
You must own your home to be eligible. In addition, you must have lived in the home for more than one calendar year at the time of application. People who own more than one home are not eligible for DHRRP funding.
Location
Funding through the Durham Home Repair & Rehabilitation Program is only available to people who own a home within Durham City or Durham County limits. Other areas of North Carolina may have similar programs for local homeowners.
Age
This program is designed specifically for senior citizens in Durham. Only applicants aged 62 and older will be approved for funding.
Disability Status
You do not need to have a documented disability to participate in the Durham Home Repair & Rehabilitation Program. However, applicants with disabilities will be prioritized for approvals.
Income
The Durham Home Repair & Rehabilitation Program is limited to Durham residents whose income falls below 50% of the Median Family Income (MFI) for the area. The MFI is established each year by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
In 2024, the HUD MFI for the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area was $105,900 per year for a family of four. That means that in order to be eligible for the program, your household income can be no more than $52,950 per year before taxes.
The chart below shows the annual income eligibility limits based on the 2024 MFI for Durham.
| Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durham Home Repair & Rehabilitation Income Limit | $37,100 | $42,400 | $47,700 | $59,950 | $57,200 | $61,450 | $65,700 | $69,900 |
What Types of Repairs Does the Durham Home Repair & Rehabilitation Program Cover?
Not every home improvement project can be paid for with DHRRP funds. You probably can’t use DHRRP funding to pay for cosmetic upgrades or luxury features for your home, even if you are personally eligible.
The program is actually divided into two categories, which the city refers to as Minor Repairs and Substantial Rehabilitations. In the following sections, we go into each category in detail.
Minor Repairs Program
The intent of the Minor Repairs program is to help homeowners in need “to correct substandard housing conditions which pose an imminent threat to life, safety, or accessibility.” This includes projects such as:
- Drainage and lot grading
- Electrical
- Flooring
- Framing and exterior Trim
- Gutters and downspouts
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Porches
- Ramps and railings
- Roofing
Substantial Rehabilitation Program
Under the Substantial Rehabilitation Program, homeowners can get up to $35,000 to repair major systems in their homes. Unlike the Minor Repairs Program, funds through the Substantial Rehabilitation Program are issued as a loan. This is, however, a forgivable loan with a 10-year repayment period with 0% interest.
If you meet the criteria for a loan under the Substantial Rehabilitation Program, you can use the loan to pay for repairs to systems such as:
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Plumbing
How To Apply for the Durham Home Repair & Rehabilitation Program
If you meet the eligibility requirements for the DHRRP and the projects you want to take on fit the city’s criteria, there is no reason not to apply for funding. The application process is different for the Minor Repairs Program and the Major Rehabilitation Program.
How To Apply for the Minor Repairs Program
The Minor Repairs Program has a standard application, which you can find on the Habitat for Humanity of Durham website. Once you complete the application, you can submit it by email to repairs@durhamhabitat.org. You can also print the form and send it by mail to the following address:
Habitat for Humanity of Durham
215 North Church Street
Durham, NC 27701
If you have questions or need assistance with any part of the process, you can call Durham Habitat at 919-682-0516.
How To Apply for the Major Rehabilitation Program
The Major Rehabilitation Program does not have a standardized application. Instead, you’ll need to reach out to Habitat for Humanity of Durham and talk to someone. They will discuss your plans and eligibility with you, and guide you through the rest of the process.
You can reach out to Durham Habitat to get started by email, phone, or through physical mail with the following contacts:
Habitat for Humanity of Durham
Phone: 919-682-0516
Email: repairs@durhamhabitat.org
215 North Church Street
Durham, NC 27701
Why This Program Matters
As someone who was born and raised in Durham, I’ve seen how much the city has changed over the years. While the booming economy has provided new opportunities and exciting growth, it has also significantly increased the cost of living in the Bull City.
Many of the people who have called this city home and helped it thrive are now finding themselves unable to keep up with their bills. As people — especially those on fixed incomes — have to spend more on essentials like property taxes and food, they have less to spend on home maintenance and repairs. This can lead to a need for even more costly repairs down the line, or even a house becoming at risk of condemnation.
I love my city and the people who call it home. The Durham Home Repair & Rehabilitation is one way to help Durhamites stay in their homes and enjoy a safe and comfortable life. In doing so, they can remain part of the social fabric that makes this place so special.
