Critical Home Repair Program
Helping Homeowners Stay Safe, Warm, and Independent
Our Critical Home Repair program helps low-income homeowners in Pierce and St. Croix Counties address urgent safety and accessibility issues so they can remain in their homes.
About the Program
Our Critical Home Repair Program is designed to help people living in Pierce & St. Croix Counties with small, critical repair projects that can be completed in a few days, and fit within our monthly budget. The program will be offered every other month.
Critical Home Repair is a separate program from our homeownership program. It serves existing homeowners — not new home buyers — whose homes need urgent repairs or modifications affecting health, safety, accessibility, or structural integrity.
Homeowners will choose from a menu of repair options. Repairs are completed at no cost to homeowners, using volunteer labor and, where required, licensed contractors.
What We Can Repair
Eligible repairs address urgent safety, accessibility, and structural needs. These are the categories of repairs and modifications our program can complete, with examples of common projects in each — for the full details, download the Menu of Eligible Repairs/Modifications.
Exterior entryway trip/fall hazards
- Leveling uneven exterior surfaces in front of the entry door
- Repairing cracks in exterior surfaces in front of the entry door
- Repairing or installing stair railings leading to the entry door
- Installing grab bars near the entry door
Entry & storm door repairs
- Filling gaps around doors
- Installing lever door handles
- Widening entry doorways
- Entry door replacement
Interior trip/fall hazards
- Repairing or replacing uneven or cracked flooring
- Repairing or replacing unsecured or torn carpet
- Repairing or replacing damaged door thresholds and transition strips
- Applying non-slip rug backing
Stairway trip/fall hazards
- Repairing, replacing, or installing railings
- Installing grab bars at the top and/or bottom of stairs
- Installing traction tape or paint on stairs
- Improving stair lighting
Inadequate lighting throughout the house
- Upgrading lighting fixtures
- Installing additional lighting fixtures and nightlights
- Replacing existing bulbs with LED bulbs
Emergency, fire & carbon monoxide safety
- Replacing expired batteries in existing smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
- Replacing expired smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
- Installing smoke/carbon monoxide detectors if absent
- Installing fire extinguishers if absent
Minor electrical
- Installing GFCI outlets if absent
- Installing wall outlet and light switch plates if absent
- Installing rocker light switches
Grab bars in other locations
- Bathrooms, hallways, and locations with transitions of height — and other areas not covered by the categories above
Energy efficiency & weatherization
- Filling gaps around windows
- Repairing or replacing seals around windows
- Repairing or replacing storm windows
- Replacing furnace filters
Raised/ADA-height toilets
- Installing raised/ADA-height toilets
- Repairing flooring immediately around the base of the toilet
Grading & drainage
- Re-grading around the foundation
- Cleaning gutters
- Repairing gutters
- Repairing or installing downspouts
Exterior maintenance
- Trimming trees away from the house
- Siding repair
- Filling gaps
Plumbing
- Replacing faucets
- Repairing leaky drains
Minor roof
- Repairing or sealing small leaks
- Replacing small areas of damaged shingles
- Installing chimney caps
Shelving & cabinets
- Lowering cabinets/shelves
- Replacing cabinet pulls with C/D-shaped pulls
Who Qualifies
You may be eligible for Critical Home Repair if:
You own and reside in the home
You own and reside in the home in need of repair or modification (no rental properties).
Your housing doesn’t meet your needs
Your current housing does not meet your needs without repair or modification.
Your repair is on the Critical Repair Menu
Your needed repair or modification is found on our “Critical Repair Menu” of options.
You meet the income limit
You make no more than 80% of Area Median Income. See the income limits table below for the maximum gross monthly income by household size.
2026 Income Limits by Household Size
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $6,137 |
| 2 people | $7,016 |
| 3 people | $7,892 |
| 4 people | $8,767 |
| 5 people | $9,471 |
| 6 people | $10,171 |
| 7 people | $10,871 |
| 8 people | $11,575 |
Meeting these criteria does not guarantee selection. Repair capacity depends on funding, volunteer and staff availability, and the scope of work.
How to Apply
Applications are currently open through the end of October, for our November repair session. Here's what to expect:
Download the Application
Download and complete the Critical Home Repair application. It covers your household information, income, and a description of the repairs your home needs.
Submit It to Our Office
Return your completed application by mail to 749 Ryan Drive, Hudson WI 54016 — or by email to billing@scvhabitat.org. Contact us with questions at 715-350-8575.
Application Review
Our staff reviews applications for eligibility, urgency, and scope of work, and may schedule a home visit to assess the repair need.
Repair Partnership
Approved projects are scheduled as funding and volunteer capacity allow, and we partner with you on completing the repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about eligibility, costs, and how the Critical Home Repair program works.
Who is eligible for Critical Home Repair?
What kinds of repairs qualify?
Do I have to own my home to apply?
What does the program cost?
How do I apply?
How soon will the repairs happen?
Home Basics with Habitat
Short, practical videos from our team on basic home upkeep — the small maintenance tasks that prevent big, costly repairs down the road. A new tip is added regularly, so check back often.
Know Your Main Water Shutoff
Learn where your home's main water shutoff valve is and how to turn it off in an emergency — one of the most important things every homeowner should know.
This video provides general education. Homes and fixtures vary. Follow product safety instructions. If your setup differs or you are unsure, stop and contact a qualified professional.
Ready to Get Started?
Download the application today, or contact our office with any questions about eligibility or the repair process.
Contact Us