A program providing fully-forgivable loans so that seniors in San Francisco could afford necessary home repairs.
City: San Francisco, CA
Purpose: To provide essential home repairs for seniors in need.
Lead Stakeholders: Community, Government
Process: In October 2022, San Francisco established a home repair program for seniors. Forgivable loans up to $50,000 were given for roof and HVAC repairs, as well as accessibility modifications. Low-to-moderate-income, senior/disabled homeowners in historically distressed/ underserved neighborhoods were eligible. Priority was based on years in residence, low and very-low-income households, displaced homeowners, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Once homeowners confirmed their eligibility for the loan, they were granted pre-approval and given 30 days to submit 3 bids for their repairs. Once those bids were approved, homeowners had 90 days to complete their home repair work. Loans were completely forgiven after 3 years if homeowners still owned and occupied the property and completed a free estate planning course.
Outcomes:
- Forgivable loans up to $50,000 issued to senior homeowners
- HVAC, roof repair, and accessibility modifications for seniors
- Free estate planning course and one-on-one counseling session for participants.
View or download PDF of the Senior Home Repair Program case study.
