Local veterans may secure up to $30,000 for home repair through new program

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- Veteran homeowners in Central Oregon may qualify for no-cost home repairs through the Veteran Restore Health and Safety Program offered by NeighborImpact. The program provides assistance to address health, safety and accessibility needs in local residences.

Funded by Oregon Housing and Community Services, the program offers grants ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 per home project. Eligible work includes roofing, heating, electrical and plumbing repairs, as well as structural repairs and hazard remediation. The funding also covers accessibility modifications such as ramps, lifts, grab bars and widened doorways.

The assistance is available to qualifying homeowners in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. To qualify, the home must be owner-occupied and serve as the applicant's primary residence. Applicants must meet veteran eligibility standards and have a household income at or below 100% of the area median income, with specific income limits varying by county and household size.

Eligible work is determined through a home inspection that evaluates necessary safety and health repairs. The program does not cover cosmetic improvements or work that falls outside of health and safety requirements.

Andrew Spreadborough, deputy executive director of Community Development at NeighborImpact, emphasized the potential risk of putting off critical home maintenance.

“Home repairs involving a roof, heating system, electrical issue or accessibility need can be expensive, but delaying them can create bigger health and safety concerns,” Spreadborough said. “This program gives qualifying veteran homeowners an opportunity to address those needs without taking on the cost themselves.”

NeighborImpact is a private nonprofit community action agency that has served Central Oregon since 1985. In addition to housing assistance, the organization provides food security, energy assistance, early childhood education, child care resources and financial empowerment services across the region.