Help Your Neighbor by Going the "Extra Mile"

Information by State  Print version   10 Things to Encourage Homeownership Introduction   1. Speak Out About the Benefits of Homeownership   2. Create Partnerships to Educate Potential Homebuyers   3. Encourage Families to Save for a Downpayment   4. Help Families Improve Their Credit Rating   5. Teach Young People about Financial Responsibility   6. Hold an Open House for Homeownership   7. Put Your Faith to Work with Hammer and Nails   8. Encourage Professionals in Your Faith Community to Mentor Families   9. Help Your Neighbor by Going the "Extra Mile"   10. Help Homeowners Keep Their Homes

Many homes fall into disrepair for a variety of reasons. The elderly in particular may be in need of physical assistance to do regular home maintenance such as painting, plumbing, yard maintenance, etc. These needs present FBOs with opportunities to assist the Homeowner and beautify the community. Furthermore, those individuals and families new to homeownership often need assistance in developing the knowledge and skills required to keep their homes in good repair since there is no longer a landlord to call on when problems arise. Here are some ideas.

• Partner with local skilled trade training programs to get their instructors and students to help with home maintenance training
• Create a home repair ministry by recruiting skilled trade's people from congregations and other organizations.
• Consider setting up a home repair "business"-people pay a small fee and have access to congregants, retirees and/or partners who will do or help them do minor repairs and landscaping as well as provide advice about common home maintenance tasks.
• Work with contractors or construction companies and suppliers to acquire common home repair tools and supplies. Homeowners who have gone through a home maintenance-training program have the opportunity to "borrow" the tools or buy deeply discounted supplies from your program.
• Partner with retailers who do in-store training and demonstrations on routine home maintenance and tool skills.
• Create a home repair event day or weekend. Volunteers converge on a specific area or home and do home repairs and landscaping to transform a home or a whole block in one day. Often, contractors will offer skilled workers to act as supervisors for untrained volunteers.
• Create a low or no-interest minor home repair revolving loan fund. Owners can borrow small amounts from the fund to help them make code compliance, emergency or other repairs. Community Development Block Grant programs of local governments already have programs for this activity. Many local community development corporations provide this service as well.

Many of the organizations that provide homeownership training also include information and training on home maintenance for participants. Look at these web sites for more ideas: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/Nonprofit/ and http://www.ci.springfield.or.us/dsd/Housing/. The National Home Builders Association web site at can help you learn more about opportunities with homebuilders and associations in your area.