Habitat SLO relaunches Home Preservation Program
Seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities among those eligible
– Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County will relaunch its Home Preservation Program on Sept. 5. The program provides critical repairs, accessibility upgrades, exterior improvements, and, in the future, homeowner education for low-income homeowners, including seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
“Our Home Preservation Program is about helping local families and seniors remain safely and comfortably in their homes,” said Anthony Overton, CEO of Habitat SLO. “Many homeowners struggle to manage their monthly mortgage, but don’t have the extra funds for essential repairs. This program fills that gap and helps preserve housing stability for the people who need it most.”
Depending on the project, homeowners may receive grant funds or affordable low- or zero-interest loans to cover repair costs. Homeowners contribute by partnering with Habitat through volunteerism or sweat equity.
The Home Preservation Program includes several components. Aging in Place services focus on the needs of older adults by installing wheelchair ramps and widening doorways for accessibility, adding grab bars and non-slip flooring in bathrooms, improving interior and exterior lighting to reduce fall risks, upgrading kitchen counters and cabinets for easier reach, replacing doorknobs with levers, removing fall hazards, and installing low-maintenance landscaping.
Critical Home Repairs address urgent needs such as replacing aging hot water systems, repairing siding, upgrading windows with energy-efficient models, and creating wildfire defensible space. A Brush with Kindness supports exterior projects such as painting home exteriors, planting drought-tolerant landscaping, replacing damaged steps or porches, and repairing fences. The program also offers Home Maintenance Education through workshops and checklists to help homeowners sustain their homes long-term.
“By focusing on individual homeowners, we’re able to make a direct impact on their health, safety, and daily lives,” said Dawn Smith, director of development for Habitat SLO. “When someone feels safe at home, it strengthens their ability to thrive in every other part of life.”
Applications open Sept. 5 for homeowners seeking assistance. Applicants must own and occupy their home in San Luis Obispo County, meet income eligibility requirements, provide documentation, and demonstrate a willingness to partner with Habitat. More information is available at habitatslo.org.
Community members can support the program by donating, volunteering, or sponsoring projects. Every contribution stays local and supports Habitat SLO’s work to build homes and communities.
Habitat SLO County began building homes in 2003 and has completed 26 homes from Cambria to Grover Beach. Since 1997, the organization has built, repaired, and rehabilitated houses across the county.
