Program makes home repairs
Johnson County’s Minor Home Repair program assists income eligible Johnson County homeowners with repair projects in their homes, including required accessibility modifications for elderly and disabled households.
The program helps with repairs which, if left unattended, would have a direct effect on the health, safety or accessibility of the homeowner.
MHR covers projects up to $5,000 for home rehabilitation projects. Examples of projects could include:
- window replacement
- door replacement
- plumbing
- water heater replacement
- electrical service upgrades
- furnace replacement
- gutters
- driveway replacement/repair
How can MHR help me?
For most older adults, staying in their homes and living independently for as long as possible is the goal. This can help keep costs down and maintain connection with friends and family within their community.
MHR can support this goal of healthy aging in place by making your home safe for you.
“We appreciate this program so much. It made us feel like we are not alone, and we have friends. We could not afford to do these things ourselves,” said a recent homeowner after window and door replacement in their home.
The program assists with maintenance costs, which can be a barrier when on a fixed income, and with mediating a city code citation, if received. MHR is NOT an emergency home repair program. There is an application process, and it is subject to staff and contractor availability.
Eligible accessibility projects
The Minor Home Repair program will cover the cost of modifications up to a limit of $8,000 to make homes accessible for homeowners. Eligible projects could include:
- installing handrails and grab bars
- widening doorways
- installing ramps for wheelchair accessibility
- installing devices for hearing impairment, such as specialized smoke and carbon monoxide detectors Other modifications are available, depending on the homeowner’s need.
A qualified, experienced home rehabilitation specialist will conduct an inspection by appointment to determine how to help and assist eligible homeowners every step of the way as the project manager.
“The MHR rehab specialist from the county was very professional, thorough and always available for questions. The contractors did quality work while keeping in mind the overall esthetic. This project changed the look of the house, and definitely improved the curb appeal,” one recent homeowner commented about their project.
Who should apply?
To be eligible for home repairs or accessibility modifications from MHR, applicants need to follow some guidelines, such as:
- You must own and live in the home needing repair as your primary residence.
- You must be current on property tax payments.
- A single-person household should have an annual gross income below $57,400 a year, and for a two-person household, less than $65,600.
- Your application must include all persons living in the home and their income for income eligibility determination.
- The home cannot be on the market for sale.
MHR is a partnership between Johnson County and several cities. Program availability and eligibility varies based on where the applicant homeowner lives.
For Overland Park applicants, the home’s value cannot exceed $285,000. There is no home valuation limit in other cities.
Johnson County’s MHR program does not serve homeowners in Lenexa or Olathe.
- Lenexa residents may apply for the City of Lenexa’s Exterior Grant Program by contacting the City of Lenexa: tinyurl.com/Lenexa-HR.
- Olathe residents may apply for the City of Olathe’s Housing Rehabilitation program by contacting the City of Olathe’s Housing Services department: tinyurl.com/Olathe-HR.
How to apply
For more information on the Minor Home Repair program and to obtain an application, visit the Johnson County Housing Services website: tinyurl.com/Minor-HR.
Assistance is also available by contacting:
Adrienne Fight
Deputy Director of Housing Services
Adrienne.Fight@JoCoGov.org
913-715-6602
Sue Carter
MHR program assistant
Sue.Carter@JoCoGov.org
913-715-6612