MaineHousing Home Accessibility & Repair Program
MaineHousing's Home Accessibility & Repair Program helps eligible lower-income homeowners pay for professional home repairs and accessibility improvements. Roof and chimney repairs are specifically included among the types of work that may qualify. The program is administered locally through Community Action Agencies.
Contact your local Community Action Agency about current applications and funding.
How Much Assistance May Be Available?
Home Repair Grant
Up to $30,000
For eligible necessary improvements, including structural repairs and qualifying energy-related repairs or improvements. Roof and chimney repairs are listed among the types of work the program may support.
Emergency Grant
Up to $15,000
For urgent health and safety conditions. MaineHousing specifically identifies severe roof leaks, loss of heat during winter, and dangerous electrical systems as examples.
Accessibility Grant
Up to $15,000
For changes that make a home safer and more accessible for a person with a physical disability.
These are maximum grant amounts. The actual award depends on homeowner eligibility, the property, the approved work, available funding, and current program rules.
What Repairs May Be Covered?
MaineHousing identifies the following examples:
- Roof and chimney repairs
- Structural repairs
- Heating and electrical-system repairs
- Well repair or replacement
- Window and door repair or replacement
- Siding repair or replacement
- Energy-efficiency improvements
- Accessibility improvements for people with disabilities or physical barriers
Basic Eligibility Requirements
According to MaineHousing's current webpage and 2025 program brochure:
- The applicant must own and occupy the single-family home being repaired.
- The applicant must have owned and lived in the home for at least one year before applying.
- The household must meet the program's current income guidelines.
- Household income must generally be at or below 80% of the applicable area median income.
- Everyone listed on the property deed must sign the program paperwork, including deed holders who do not live in the home.
- The proposed work must be evaluated and approved through the program.
- Professional contractors approved by MaineHousing perform the work.
Income limits depend on household size and location. Homeowners should check MaineHousing's current income-limit document rather than relying on an older dollar amount found on another website.
How to Apply
- 01
Contact your local Community Action Agency
MaineHousing directs homeowners to apply through the agency serving the county where the home is located.
- 02
Explain the condition of the roof
Tell the agency whether you have an active severe leak, broader roof failure, structural damage, or another health and safety concern.
- 03
Complete the eligibility review
Be prepared to provide household-income information, proof of ownership, residency information, and other requested documents.
- 04
Collect the required signatures
Every person listed on the deed must sign the program paperwork, even if that person does not live in the home.
- 05
Follow the agency's inspection and contractor process
The program may have specific rules governing inspections, estimates, contractor approval, scope of work, and construction.
- 06
Wait for authorization
Do not begin permanent work based on the assumption that it will be reimbursed. Wait until the agency clearly explains what has been approved.
