Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is seeking applicants for its A Brush With Kindness program. The program is dedicated to helping families in need inNorthern Virginias with exterior home repairs.
Habitat will help low-income homeowners impacted by age, disability, and family circumstances who struggle to maintain the exterior of their homes to revitalize their homes and improve their communities. Able-bodied homeowners are encouraged to work alongside the volunteers in a cooperative effort.
A Brush with Kindness is part of Habitat’s broader holistic community development strategy, which assists communities as well as families. It revitalizes the appearance of the neighborhood, strengthens connections within the community through community work days.
What Kind of Services Are Provided?
Habitat
Northern Virginia will complete remodeling, renovation, and revitalization projects using volunteer work days, with costs up to $5,000. Habitat will minimize costs to homeowners through donated materials, community or corporate sponsorships, and no-interest loans. Repairs include but are not limited to the following:
- Exterior painting
- Ramps and accessible doorways
- Roof repair
- Fence repair
- Siding repair
- Weatherization and waterproofing
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants who wish to participate in Habitat Northern Virginia’s A Brush with Kindness program must:
- Own and occupy a home that could benefit from short-term exterior improvements.
- Must have issues with weatherization, safety, accessibility, or livability.)
- Earn an income between 30% and 80% of the area median income.
- Be a willing partner, with sweat equity if able, in creative ways if unable.
- Be unable to afford to pay for repairs by conventional means.
- Possess current homeowner’s insurance.
How Much Does it Cost?
Habitat for Humanity believes in a hand up, not a handout. We invite able-bodied A Brush With Kindness homeowners to partner with us to invest their “sweat equity” into the repairs on their own homes. In exchange, we will grant a zero-interest loan with a repayment plan that will avoid an excessive burden on the homeowner. The projects will be subsidized through sponsorships from faith groups, community organizations, grants, and other sources of funding.
How Do I Apply?
To apply for A Brush With Kindness, download an application on Habitat’s website at www.habitatnova.org or call Romana Sanchez (703) 521-9890 ext. 112
Can I Be a Sponsor?
Habitat
Northern Virginiais seeking sponsorships for A Brush With Kindness projects. The cost of each renovation ranges from $1,000 to $5,000. Companies, faith groups, community organizations, and individuals can elect to sponsor a home in full or partner with others to share the sponsorship. Sponsors will be entitled to volunteer opportunities and will receive recognition and visibility benefits. For more information, contact Director of Development Meredith Magwire at
