Tread missing on a staircase, railings that are rickety, or a front porch that is rotted out? Making these household repairs in homes for low-income residents who are older or disabled is what Rebuilding Together Minnesota is all about.
“We take a look at whatever is wrong with the home, and that could be from the roof to the basement, making sure that folks have a safe and healthy home to live in,” said Kathy Greiner, executive director of Rebuilding Together Minnesota
The application window for homeowners in need of critical repairs from Rebuilding Together Minnesota opens Oct. 1 and closes Dec. 31.
Rebuilding Together Minnesota focuses on helping low-income Minnesotans preserve their homes and live safely, with a particular emphasis on older adults, military veterans, families with children, and individuals living with disabilities. For many homeowners, the repairs are essential for aging in place or navigating physical limitations.
Since 1997, Rebuilding Together Minnesota has worked to ensure safe and independent living across the state. This year alone, the organization expects to complete 170 projects.
“We work with older adults and folks who live with disabilities so that they can have the grab bars and the ramps to get in and out of their home,” Greiner said. “Things to prevent them from falling.”
To qualify for the program, applicants must own their home and be current on their mortgage payments. Eligible applicants must also be considered low-income as categorized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or candidates must earn less than 50% of the area median income based on their county and family size. With regional median incomes hovering around $90,000, a family of four earning approximately $45,000 would qualify for assistance.
Beyond income, the nonprofit also evaluates household demographics during the selection process.
“We look for what are the demographics in the home?” Greiner said. “Is there an older adult in the home? Is there someone younger than 18 living with a disability? All of those things we’re going to look at, and then once you fill out that application and we get you qualified, my team will work with you to do the modifications that you need to get done.”
The application process is designed to be straightforward and takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Homeowners will be asked detailed questions about their immediate household needs and any physical mobility challenges they face, such as difficulty navigating stairs.
To prepare for the application window, Grenier recommends that homeowners gather their necessary documentation in advance, like proof of income, such as federal tax returns from the last two years. Older adults who do not file taxes can submit their annual Social Security statements. Applicants can use property tax statements as proof of homeownership.
Once the application window closes and applications are reviewed, qualified homeowners selected for the program will receive a home visit. Rebuilding Together Minnesota staff will assess the property and collaborate directly with the homeowner to establish a project work scope. Past projects have ranged from resolving critical plumbing failures to replacing damaged roofs and constructing customized mobility ramps.
The online application is the fastest way to request assistance. Homeowners can apply or learn more about eligibility criteria by visiting the organization’s website at rtmn.org and selecting the "apply for help" link.
Individuals who require a paper application can request one by emailing here.
