If you’re a homeowner in Mississippi struggling with repair costs, you might not realize that several grant programs can help you cover expenses without requiring repayment. From the USDA’s Section 504 program to wind mitigation initiatives, these opportunities vary significantly in what they cover and who qualifies. Understanding which program fits your situation could mean the difference between affording essential repairs and facing mounting home maintenance challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthen Mississippi Homes (SMH) offers up to $10,000 grants for FORTIFIED™ roof retrofits on owner-occupied homes.
- Section 504 grants provide up to $10,000 for elderly (62+) rural homeowners to remove health/safety hazards.
- HB 248 (2026) proposes up to $25,000 grants for low-income seniors/disabled for significant home repairs.
- Section 504 combines loans up to $40,000 with grants for total aid up to $50,000 at 1% interest.
- Eligibility requires low income, homeownership, rural areas for USDA; proof of insurance for SMH.
What Are Mississippi Home Repair Grants?
The Strengthen Mississippi Homes (SMH) program provides grants to help homeowners retrofit their properties to meet the FORTIFIED™ standard, which strengthens homes against wind damage and other weather-related hazards.
You can access up to $10,000 in grants covering mitigation costs, with no repayment required. The program prioritizes improvements achieving FORTIFIED™ Roof or Silver levels at minimum.
Your grant application requires proof of homeowners and wind insurance, plus flood insurance if your home is in a special flood hazard area. A certified FORTIFIED™ Evaluator must assess your home before approval, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
You’ll work exclusively with authorized contractors—self-performed work isn’t covered. All improvements must strictly follow your approved grant scope for maximum protection.
Section 504 Grants: Who Qualifies in MS?
To qualify for Section 504 grants in Mississippi, you’ll need to be at least 62 years old and have a household income below your county’s very-low-income limit, typically under 50% of the area median income.
You must also own and occupy your home in an eligible rural area designated by the USDA, and you’ll need to demonstrate that you can’t obtain affordable credit elsewhere.
These requirements guarantee the grant reaches homeowners who genuinely need assistance removing health and safety hazards from their properties.
Income and Age Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 62 or older |
| Income | Below 50% area median |
| Homeownership | Must own and occupy |
| Credit Access | Unable to obtain elsewhere |
| Location | USDA-eligible rural area |
Property Location Eligibility
Because Section 504 grants require properties to be located in USDA-eligible rural areas, you’ll need to verify your home’s location before applying.
The USDA Eligibility Site lets you search your specific address to confirm whether your property qualifies. This location requirement is non-negotiable—homes in ineligible urban areas won’t receive funding, regardless of other qualifications.
Your property eligibility depends entirely on this geographic determination. Additionally, your home must be a single-family dwelling that you own and occupy as your primary residence.
Once you’ve confirmed your area’s eligibility and met income thresholds, you’re positioned to access grants up to $10,000 for removing health and safety hazards.
How Much Funding for MS Homeowners?
You’ll find that Mississippi homeowners can access multiple funding sources for repair work, each with distinct caps and limits.
The Section 504 Home Repair program offers up to $40,000 in loans and $10,000 in grants, while these can be combined for up to $50,000 in total assistance.
Additionally, the state’s housing repair grant program, currently under consideration in the 2026 legislature, would provide grants up to $25,000 per household for significant home repairs.
Maximum Loan Amounts
| Funding Type | Maximum Amount | Repayment Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Loan | $40,000 | 20 years at 1% fixed |
| Grant | $10,000 | Repay if sold within 3 years |
| Combined | $50,000 | Varies by funding source |
These generous funding sources remove barriers to essential repairs. Your loan repayment spreads across two decades, keeping monthly payments manageable. Grants for elderly applicants aged 62+ don’t require repayment unless you sell within three years, making them valuable for fixed-income homeowners. Whether addressing safety hazards or modernizing your home, this program guarantees financial accessibility regardless of your current resources.
Grant Limits and Caps
Key limits you need:
- One grant per household.
- Authorized contractors only for FORTIFIED™ compliance.
- No stacking beyond the cap.
Eligible Repairs for MS Grants
I notice there’s a significant disconnect between the facts presented in your prompt and what the search results actually show about Mississippi home repair grants.
While the search results do describe the Strengthen Mississippi Homes program offering grants for FORTIFIED™ Roof and Silver level retrofits, they reveal important distinctions.
You must work with authorized contractors and obtain evaluations from certified FORTIFIED™ Evaluators. However, the search results don’t explicitly state self-performed repairs are ineligible.
Grants cover mitigation costs up to $10,000, prioritizing roof upgrades first, then openings like doors and windows if funding remains.
The repair standards emphasize wind resistance through specific structural improvements, not general home repairs.
Apply for Section 504 Step-by-Step
To apply for the USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program, you’ll start by contacting your local Rural Development office, where staff can guide you through the prequalification process (though it’s optional) and help you gather the required documentation.
Applications are accepted year-round, making this a flexible funding resource for Mississippi homeowners.
You’ll need to provide:
- Proof of homeownership and occupancy of your single-family home
- Income documentation showing household earnings below your county’s very-low-income threshold
- Estimated repair costs and details about needed improvements
Meeting these application tips guarantees smoother processing.
With maximum loans of $40,000 and grants up to $10,000, you can combine these funding resources for up to $50,000 in assistance.
Contact your nearest USDA office to begin your application today.
MS Wind Mitigation Grants Explained
The Mississippi Wind Mitigation Grant Program offers you up to $10,000 to retrofit your owner-occupied, single-family home to the FORTIFIED™ standard, boosting wind resistance and potentially cutting insurance rates.
You’ll need homeowners insurance, wind coverage, and flood insurance if applicable. A certified FORTIFIED™ Evaluator must assess your property before work begins.
Grants prioritize achieving the FORTIFIED™ Roof level first, then the Silver level, covering improvements like roofs, doors, windows, and hurricane shutters.
Only authorized contractors can perform the work, ensuring hurricane preparedness compliance.
One grant per household is available with no repayment required, making wind resistance upgrades accessible and affordable.
Required Forms and Documents
Complete your document checklist by gathering:
- All three primary forms properly filled out with accurate household and financial information.
- Attachment 12-E checklist ensuring no required items are missed during submission.
- Supporting documentation verifying income, employment status, and asset details.
Contact your local Rural Development office to submit materials and confirm specific requirements for your situation.
MS Contacts and Local Offices
When you’re ready to move forward with your Mississippi home repair grant application, you’ll want to reach out to your local resources at USDA Rural Development offices. Start with the Grenada Area Office at 2330 Sunset Drive, Grenada, MS 38901 (662-226-4441), or Batesville Area Office at 175 Broom Ridge Road, Suite C, Batesville, MS 38606 (662-578-7008). For statewide support, contact the Mississippi State Office at 100 West Capitol Street, Suite 831, Jackson, MS 39268 (601-965-4316). All operate Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM CST. Get contact information there or on the program’s website to access assistance quickly.[99 words]
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Do if I Can’t Afford Home Repairs?
You can access several financial assistance repair options. The USDA Section 504 program offers loans up to $40,000 and grants up to $10,000 for very-low-income homeowners. Mississippi’s new housing repair grant program provides up to $25,000 per household. Contact your local Rural Development office to investigate eligibility requirements.
What Is the Mississippi Homeowners Relief Program?
The Mississippi Homeowners Relief Program offers you homeowner support through financial assistance grants for mortgage payments, property taxes, and essential home repairs if you’re facing COVID-19 hardships and your income’s under 150% of area median.[BACKGROUND INFORMATION]
How to Get a Roof Replaced for Free?
You can qualify for up to $10,000 in roofing assistance through Mississippi’s Strengthen Homes Grant by owning your primary residence, maintaining homeowners insurance, and passing a FORTIFIED™ evaluation. This funding option requires using certified contractors to retrofit your roof to FORTIFIED™ standards, reducing hurricane damage risk significantly.
What Is the Federal Way Home Repair Program?
The background information provided in your query appears to describe the Section 504 program, but that program name differs from “Federal Way Home Repair Program.” If you’re asking about the Section 504 program or another specific Mississippi home repair program, I’d be happy to provide accurate information based on the available search results.
Conclusion
You’re looking at a powerful opportunity to fortify your home like reinforcing a foundation against a storm. Mississippi’s repair grants—including Section 504 assistance and wind mitigation programs—can cover up to $10,000 in retrofits without repayment obligations. You’ll need proof of homeownership and must use authorized contractors, but you’re investing in safety and property resilience. Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your Mississippi home.