HAF WholeHome Critical Home Repairs Grant

The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) WholeHome Critical Home Repairs Grant is administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Created under Section 3206 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the grant targets Maryland homeowners who have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is part of a broader federal initiative aimed at supporting housing stability for vulnerable households, particularly by addressing urgent housing repair needs that, if left unresolved, could result in involuntary displacement from the primary residence. This grant offers financial assistance for critical home repairs, with the goal of ensuring Maryland homeowners can remain in their homes safely. The standard grant amount is up to $10,000. However, in cases where there are extenuating circumstances, grant awards may be increased to a maximum of $15,000, contingent upon the provision of appropriate documentation demonstrating the severity of need. The types of repairs eligible under the program include non-functioning heating and cooling systems, roof repairs or replacements, electrical and plumbing issues, septic repairs, mold and mildew remediation, lead paint or asbestos removal, and structural deficiencies. These repairs must be verified by a licensed Maryland contractor. Eligibility is limited to homeowners who reside in Maryland and live in the property as their primary residence. Applicants must have experienced financial hardship on or after January 21, 2020, and must meet income criteria at or below 150% of their county’s Area Median Income (AMI). They must also be named on the property deed and submit a valid repair work proposal from a licensed and insured Maryland Home Improvement Contractor. The proposal must be no more than 60 days old and must include photos or drawings that clearly document the repair need. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The application window opens on January 22, 2026, and will remain open until September 30, 2026, or until all funds have been committed, whichever occurs first. Given the limited funding, applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare and submit all required documentation promptly. The program emphasizes completeness of applications; incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. To apply, individuals must submit a complete application form, supporting income documentation, ownership verification, and contractor materials. Required contractor documents include a current MHIC license or equivalent trade license, a certificate of liability insurance, a letter of good standing from the Maryland Business Express system, a W-9 form, and a bid cover page along with the detailed repair estimate. These documents must collectively demonstrate the need, legality, and feasibility of the proposed repair work. Applicants may submit their materials by email to [email protected] or by mailing them to the Special Loan Programs division at DHCD's Lanham, MD office. Questions may be directed to the same email address or by calling 877-568-6105. A downloadable application and further details are also available on the DHCD WholeHome program website.