If your home needs major repairs like a new roof, or your furnace breaks down it can be difficult to afford the expense. Many non profit organizations and government programs offer help with home repairs to low income families. Some of these programs are free home repair grants while others are loans with lower interest rates. These loan and grant programs are administered by local agencies or the county and city housing departments.
Generally these government grants are only available to people with specific income requirements. Some are specifically for the elderly, single moms and the disabled who have a hard time making ends meet. The main goal of these programs is to provide safe living environments for the families that receive them. Often these programs also have specific requirements in place including how you can apply for the program and what kind of work will be done on your home.
In Syracuse, the local organization Housing Visions Unlimited works with people who need help with home repairs. They will help you apply for the Community Unified Today program and can assist with anything from making your home safer to upgrading it. They can also help you find a contractor to do the work.
The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity might also be able to help you make upgrades. They can give you referrals and products to help make your home healthier and safer while also helping you with the financing of those improvements.