Several government programs are available for owners of "fixer-upper" properties to finance renovation and home improvement projects. Grants are also used for real estate acquisitions and purchasing materials and equipment. Labor, administrative and other direct costs of the approved projects are also covered by grant funds. These government grants are not required to be repaid by the recipients.

Individual Water and Waste Grants

The Department of Agriculture fund grants to install plumbing and other water and waste fixtures in homes and housing units in designated areas. Grants are used to install water pipes, toilets, showers and bathtubs, kitchen and bathroom sinks, outdoor water spigots and water heaters. Funds are also used to build entire bathrooms if needed and pay service hook-up fees. These grants are available to homeowners in Texas, California, New Mexico and Arizona.

Housing and Community Facilities Programs National Office U.S. Department of Agriculture Room 5014 South Building 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20250 202-720-9619 rurdev.usda.gov

Housing Preservation Grants

The Department of Agriculture also sponsors the Housing Preservation Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to homeowners, landlords, co-op and rental property managers to renovate and improve their homes and housing units. Grants are available to applicants who live in communities of less than 20,000 residents. Eligible sponsors of the grant program include state, local and tribal government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Grants must be used within a two year period by the recipients.

Housing and Community Facilities Programs National Office U.S. Department of Agriculture Room 5014 South Building 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20250 202-720-9619 rurdev.usda.gov

Self-Help Homeownership Program

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors the Self-Help Homeownership Program (SHOP), which provides grants to build and renovate homes for low income homebuyers. Up to 20 percent of the grant amount can be used to cover administrative costs. Homebuyers are required by SHOP to provide "sweat equity," or physical labor, during the construction phase of their homes. These grants are open to nonprofit organizations that have SHOP experience. Project costs cannot exceed $15,000.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street SW Washington, DC 20410 202-708-1112 hud.gov