The Critical Home Repair (CHR) Program serves all of Montgomery County, and is a part of Montgomery Thrive  – a Montgomery County Commission & City of Montgomery Community Investment Initiative.

The program’s purpose is to support the increasing demand for emergency home repairs. It assists low/moderate income owner occupied households. This program is free to eligible homeowners on a first come first served basis as long as funds remain available.

Please note, as of November 9th, 2023, the CHR Program is no longer accepting applications; applicants who applied before this time are still being processed.

Click Here for the Full Application and Program Guidelines

1. How does the CHR Program work?

Prospective applicants fill-out a one-page application, and provide all of the following accompanying documentation:

• Identification (copy of driver’s license and social security card for each occupant)
• Proof of Income (pay stubs, Social Security statement, retirement or pension, for ALL occupants)
• Proof of Property Ownership (copy of deed) and Life Estate interest form(s), if applicable
• Proof of Residency (copy of electric, gas, or water bill showing the name and address of the home owner)
• Property Record Card (from Courthouse or tax assessor’s office)

An Assessment of the property will identify the “critical repair” needs of the residence.

If application is approved, CARPDC contractors will review and bid on the repair work at your home.

A contractor will be selected and assigned to perform the work on your home. (You may NOT select or use your own contractor.)

Upon completion, work will be inspected by a certified Building Performance Institute inspector (BPI) for quality and compliance to program standards and guidelines.

If work does not meet compliance, the contractor will return and complete the rework in a timely manner.

• Eligible Properties?

Eligibility Requirements for the program include:

1. Homeowner – The application must be the owner occupant at the property dwelling, and be able to provide documentation to prove unquestionable ownership and/or life estate interest.
2. Location – The applicant must reside within Montgomery County, Alabama.
3. Repair Feasibility – The housing unit must need critical structural repairs, or conditions threatening the health and safety of the occupants. See the definition of “suitable for repair” as contained in the Policy Statement and Procedures.
4. Local Compliances – The housing unit property taxes must be paid in full at the time of the application.
5. Income – An applicant must have total household income from all persons residing in the household that fall, by household size, within the categories that follow:

• Eligible Repairs?

Cost of the repairs cannot exceed $25,000/per household.

The following repairs are examples of possible eligible repairs under the Critical Home Repair (CHR) Program:

Dry In-Home:

• Roofing
• Exterior Wall Repair
• Door & Window Repair/Replacement (very limited)
• Exterior painting

Health & Safety:

• Major electrical
• Major plumbing
• Floor repair
• Steps/handrail replacement/repair

Heating & Cooling:

• Furnace/heat pump, AC repair/replacement

Septic System:

• Engineering
• Pump out
• Systems repairs and replacements when economically feasible

ADA Accessibility:

• Door widening
• Wheelchair ramps
• ADA appliances (toilets, sinks, grab bars)

Interior Repairs:

• Interior ceiling repairs
• Interior wall repairs

Click Here for the Full Application and Program Guidelines

Are you a local contractor interested in being a part of the program? Click here to learn more about how to apply to bid on program work. 

The CHR Program is supported through the Montgomery Thrive Fiscal Recovery Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act and administered by the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (CARPDC).

Do you have questions? Contact the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission at:

(334) 262-4300 or tfletcher@carpdc.com.