Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia

In April, RPJ Housing will celebrate 15 years of providing free home repairs to low-income homeowners through its Rebuilding Together with Christmas & Sukkot in April program.  All the work is done for free by teams of volunteers with skills ranging from novice to professional.  In fact, you probably have seen the over 3,000 community members armed with paintbrushes, hammers and great big smiles during the last weekend in April.  These dedicated community members repair floors, ceilings, walls, doors and roofs; install grab bars, railings and smoke detectors; address minor plumbing and electrical repairs; build ramps, paint and attend to yard work. 

To qualify for the program, you must own and live in the home to be repaired.  The annual income level for one individual cannot exceed $30,450.  For each additional person in the home the income level increases by $4,350.  Priority is given to the elderly and persons living with disabilities. 

To obtain an application, simply call RPJ Housing at 703-528-5606 ext 16 or send an email to pattid@rpjhousing.org.  Applications must be completed and received by RPJ no later than January 30, 2003.

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority's Home Improvement Loan Program (HILP) assists Fairfax County homeowners in making improvements to their homes.  Homeowners are provided technical assistance in determining what improvements need to be made and financial assistance to pay for these improvements through low interest loans.

The types of home improvements that can be eligible under this program are:

• Health and safety code violation items;
• Items that will increase energy efficiency;
• Replacement items that will reduce need for continuous maintenance; and
• General improvements that will enhance overall appearance and livability of the house such as: hook-ups to County sewer or water, installing siding, replacing a roof, etc.

• Determine you eligibility for a low interest loan;
• Determine what work needs to be done on your home;
• Prepare work write-ups, specifications, and drawings; and
• Select a licensed contractor or plan your own work.

HILP applicants must be owners of the property, which must be located within Fairfax County.  They also must have incomes that fall below the Fairfax County median income for family size.  The maximum income limits depend upon the location and value of the home, but will not exceed the following:

• $44,180 for 1 person
• $50,500 for 2 persons
• $56,810 for 3 persons
• $63,120 for 4 persons

If you wish further information or have any questions, please call the Home Improvement Loan Program at:

Need a hand with home repairs?  The Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development offers the Home Repair for the Elderly Program to assist low- to moderate-income seniors and persons with disabilities in completing necessary repairs and maintenance.

If you qualify, the County will dispatch a repair crew to your home for up to one week and will provide up to $500 in materials to complete the job.  Types of repairs include:  Interior and exterior painting, minor electrical and plumbing repairs, window and door repair, gutter and walkway repair, screen replacement and the installation of ramps, grab bars and other devices to assist the elderly and disabled.  Emergency work, such as roof leaks, broken hot water heaters, furnace repairs, electrical shorts, and plumbing leaks can also be completed under this program.

Funded by County and federal grant monies, all work and supplies are provided free of charge.  Please note the extensive home improvements, including work requiring building permits or licensing, are not covered under the Home Repair for the Elderly Program, but may be eligible for the Home Improvement Loan Program.

For details on eligibility requirements or additional information, call 703-246-5154; TTY 703-385-3578.