Comprehensive Guide to Roof Repair Grants in Seattle

Maintaining a safe and structurally sound home is essential for all homeowners. In Seattle, several programs offer financial assistance for necessary roof repairs, especially for low- to moderate-income residents

Sydney Blunt

• 3 min read
Comprehensive Guide to Roof Repair Grants in Seattle
Photo by Lucille Emi Oh / Unsplash
A man on a roof working on a roof
Photo by Christer Lässman / Unsplash

🏠 City of Seattle: Home Repair Loan & Grant Program

The City of Seattle's Office of Housing provides the Home Repair Loan & Grant Program to assist homeowners with critical repairs, including roof replacements.

Key Features:

  • Loan Amount: Up to $24,000 with 0% interest.
  • Grant Eligibility: Available for repairs under $3,000 or for homeowners who do not qualify for a loan.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Must own and occupy a single-family home within Seattle city limits.
    • Household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
    • For grants, income at or below 50% of AMI.
  • Eligible Repairs: Roof repair or replacement, plumbing, electrical upgrades, and more.
  • Application Process:
    • Submit an application to the Office of Housing.
    • Undergo a home inspection.
    • Choose an approved contractor.
    • Sign loan documents before work begins.
  • Contact Information:

🏘️ King County Housing Repair Program

For residents in unincorporated King County and cities outside Seattle, the King County Housing Repair Program offers assistance for home repairs, including roof replacements.

Key Features:

  • Loan Programs:
    • Deferred Payment Loan: Zero-interest loans up to $25,000 for homeowners with incomes below 80% of King County median income.
    • Matching Funds Loan: Provides half of the project cost as a loan, with the homeowner matching the other half.
  • Grant Programs:
    • Emergency Grants: Up to $9,000 for urgent, life-threatening conditions.
    • Manufactured Home Grants: Up to $11,000 for repairs in manufactured homes.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Must own and occupy the home.
    • Income at or below 50% of King County median income.
    • Assets not exceeding $20,000 (excluding home equity).
  • Contact Information:

🏡 Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties

Habitat for Humanity offers the Home Repair Program to assist homeowners with critical and minor repairs, including roof replacements.

Key Features:

  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Homeowners aged 60 and older.
    • Must own and occupy the home.
    • Income and geographic restrictions apply.
  • Services Offered:
    • Critical and minor home repairs to alleviate health and safety issues.
  • Contact Information:

🧾 USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program

The USDA offers the Section 504 Home Repair Program to very-low-income homeowners in rural areas, including parts of Washington state.

Key Features:

  • Loan Amount: Up to $40,000 at a 1% interest rate.
  • Grant Eligibility: Homeowners aged 62 or older can receive grants up to $10,000.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Must own and occupy the home.
    • Unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere.
    • Income at or below the very low-income limit.
  • Eligible Repairs: Roof repair, structural improvements, and other health and safety hazards.
  • Application Process:
    • Contact the local USDA Rural Development office.
    • Submit necessary documentation and forms.
  • Contact Information:

🛠️ Additional Resources

  • Sound Generations Minor Home Repair Program: Provides home maintenance services for low-income homeowners in Seattle and surrounding areas.
  • Northwest Access Fund: Offers resources for home modifications, including roof repairs, for individuals with disabilities.

✅ Final Tips

  • Start Early: Application processes can take time; begin well in advance of when repairs are needed.
  • Gather Documentation: Prepare necessary documents such as proof of income, tax returns, and homeownership records.
  • Consult Multiple Programs: Explore all available programs to determine the best fit for your situation.
  • Licensed Contractors: Ensure that all repairs are performed by licensed and bonded contractors.

  1. City of Seattle: Home Repair Loan & Grant Program
    seattle.gov
  2. King County Housing Repair Program
    kingcounty.gov
  3. Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties
    habitatskc.org
  4. USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program
    rd.usda.gov
  5. Sound Generations Minor Home Repair Program
    soundgenerations.org
  6. Northwest Access Fund
    nwaccessfund.org