Home Improvement Resource Navigator

Revitalize Milwaukee's Asthma Safe Homes Program offers resources to residents of Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties for immediate solutions to managing asthma. Ask a health care provider, school nurse, pharmacist or asthma educator for a referral and meet with an educator for 2-6 sessions to get home supplies of up to $1,000 like HEPA vacuums, air purifiers, air conditioners, and mattress covers. Following, a detailed home assessment is conducted to look for triggers. Referral for home repairs up to $5,000 is available for carpet removal, pest extermination, mold and water damage remediation, and more.

The City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services' Compliance Loan Program provides 0% interest deferred payment loans for repairs to fix outstanding code violations on homes. Assistance is provided in selecting a contractor and monitoring work. 

Revitalize Milwaukee's Critical Repair Program offers free and partial pay options based on income to residents in Milwaukee and Waukesha County for essential repairs that are critical in preventing deferred maintenance and future issues.

Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity's Critical Home Repair Loan Program can finance up to 80% of project costs based on income through 0% interest loans that can be payed back in installments for major home repairs such as code violations.

The Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation's Curb Appeal Grant Program provides 50% matching grants of between $200-$1,500 for projects that improve the exterior of the home. Work may begin only after an application is approved and the grant agreement is signed. Check payments are made directly to the contractors once proof of the homeowner's contribution is received.

Revitalize Milwaukee's Emergency Repair Program offers free emergency repair services to residents in Southeast Wisconsin. Houses are assessed on a case-by-case basis for the severity of repairs. All of the repairs are completed by experienced, licensed contractors within 24-48 hours.

The Milwaukee County Energy Assistance Program provides residents with a one-time, annual payment toward heating and electric bills. The benefit is usually paid directly to the energy supplier. Qualifying for Energy Assistance also provides access to other benefits: Emergency Crisis Assistance, Heating System Repair or Replacement, Bulk Fuel, and/or the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Revitalize Milwaukee provides energy-saving upgrades such as insulation in attics/basements, and the installation of high-efficiency furnaces and heat pumps. Additional energy-saving home modifications include water-saving faucets, weather stripping, and programmable thermostats. These modifications help reduce discomfort, safety concerns,and excessive energy bills for low-income homeowners.

Wisconsin's Focus on Energy Program offers tiered rebates based on income to support the renewable energy and energy efficiency efforts of Wisconsin residents. Focus rebates for improvements like solar, insulation, air sealing, and heating and cooling equipment can also be paired with a loan through the Milwaukee Energy Efficiency Program or Milwaukee Shines Solar Program to finance improvements.

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District's Fresh Coast Resource Center helps southeastern Wisconsin improve the health of Lake Michigan through smart use of green infrastructure to manage stormwater. Green infrastructure includes rain barrels, rain gardens, native landscaping, stormwater trees, and soil ammendments. Receive education and resources such as funding support, plant sales, and recommended vendors.

Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity's ReStore Program includes non-profit home improvement stores and donation centers whose proceeds are used to build safe, affordable homes. ReStores sell new and gently used furniture, building materials, appliances, and home accessories to the public at 50%-75% below retail value. 

The Havenwoods Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) offers grants of up to $3,500 to help residents in this area of the city fund repairs to the exterior of their house. The NID also offers loans of up to $200 for outdoor lighting and security cameras.

Home Energy Plus is a statewide program that includes 3 offerings to income-eligible residents:

1. The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program providing assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations. Energy assistance includes regular benefits and crisis assistance. A one-time payment during heating season, October 1-May 15, pays a portion of the property's energy costs directly to the energy supplier. Once funds are exhausted for a program year, no benefits are issued. Crisis assistance is available through a 24-hour phone line and additional support includes information on how to reduce energy costs, counseling on budgeting, and payments to the energy provider.

2. The Wisconsin Weatherization Assistance Program available through Partners for Community Development and La Casa de Esperanza in Milwaukee County provides cost-effective, energy efficiency measures and education at no cost.

3. Home Energy Plus Program Services offers services to repair or replace heating systems and water heaters.

The Lindsay Heights Neighborhood Improvement District's (NID) Homeowner Repair Grant Program offers residents of the area funding for needed improvements based on the HUD County Median Income chart.

The Milwaukee Water Works Lead Service Line Replacement Owner Request Program is for property owners who want to replace their lead service line with copper but do not qualify for replacement through the Prioritization Program.

•    Only owners of 1- to 4-unit residential properties with no commercial use are eligible.
•    The owner pays the lesser of the actual cost or the current five-year average cost of private-side replacement ($3,454).
•    Milwaukee Water Works pays the full cost of public-side replacement.
•    Properties with more than four units or any commercial use may still replace the service line by hiring a contractor.

Not sure if you have a lead service line? Use the Lead Service Line Inventory Map to check your service line material.

The Wisconsin Lead-Safe Homes Program is administered by Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity and offers free lead abatement services for homeowners in areas where they are building. Qualifying homeowners can have lead hazards mitigated at no cost.

Near West Side Partners' Live, Work, Play Home Repair Grants are a reimbursable, dollar-for-dollar match of up to $1,500 for repairs that address an exterior condition viewed from the street or an emergency repair ordered by the Department of Neighborhood Services. An application must be approved before work begins and the homeowner is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and approvals prior to work. The number of awards will be limited annually and a waitlist will be created to manage demand.

The City of Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office's Milwaukee Energy Efficiency Program (Me2) makes it affordable to perform energy-saving upgrades with a low-interest loan of up to $20,000 through Summit Credit Union that can be coupled with Focus on Energy incentives.

The City of Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office's Milwaukee Shines Solar Program provides financing for solar installations through a low-interest loan of up to $20,000 through Summit Credit Union to cover up to 100% of the costs, including structural reinforcement and re-roofing expenses if these upgrades are part of the solar project. This loan can be coupled with Focus on Energy incentives and reduced solar costs through the Grow Solar Greater Milwaukee Group Buy Program.

The Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority's More Like Home Repair & Renew Loan offers financing of up to $50,000 for structural home repairs and environmental contaminants to Wisconsin residents.

The City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services' Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) assists residents with repairs within the NIP geographic boundaries. The minimum scope of work to qualify is $5,000 with a maximum cap of $24,500 per home (some exceptions apply). Eligible work includes code violations, maintenance, and mechanical work. Assistance is provided by local NIP Service Agencies working with local contractors. Residents may participate in the program only once.

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District's (MMSD) Pipe Check Program provides financial incentives to help residents within their service area eliminate sources of clear water from their home at a reduced cost. Incentives are paid directly to the contractor.

In partnership with the Zilber Neighborhood Initiative, Revitalize Milwaukee leads the way in stabilizing the Lindsay Heights (North Division, Triangle, Triangle North, Locus Street), Clarke Square, National Park, Mitchell Park, and Layton Boulevard West (Silver City, Burnham Park, and Layton Boulevard) neighborhoods through our roofing program. 

The Sherman Park Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) offers grants between $500-$5,000 to help residents in this area of the city fund energy efficiency improvements, repairs to increase water efficiency, repairs to the structural condition of the property, safety improvements, and repairs to increase the curb appeal of the property. Homeowner contributions to the project are dependent upon income levels, with as little as $0 contribution to 50% contribution expected.

The City of Milwaukee Department of City Development STRONG Home Loans Program offers low-interest and deferred loans $1,000-$25,000 for emergency and essential home repairs including outstanding building code orders. 10 years after project completion, 25% of the loan up to $5,000 is forgivable. Technical assistance is provided in preparing a scope of work for the property, obtaining bids, and managing the construction process.

Take Root Milwaukee is a consortium of over 55 community organizations, neighborhood groups, housing counseling agencies, realtors, and lenders working to promote sustainable homeownership in the City of Milwaukee. Take Root members offer free or low-cost services that help residents buy, keep, or fix a home.

The Housing Resources Inc.'s Tool Loan Center provides a low-cost alternative for finding the tools you need for home improvement projects. The Center stocks a wide variety of hand and power tools from screwdrivers, hammers, and pipe wrenches to sanders, saws, ladders, wheel barrows, and more. Stop by to sign up for a membership. The annual fee is $25 or $20 for those 62 years and older. The majority of tools are loaned at no charge to current members, however, there is a $50 deposit required for high end tools from which a $20 rental fee will be deducted.