Home Repair Program

Do you need help with minor home repairs or with home painting?

If you are struggling to maintain the exterior of your home or property due to age, disability, family circumstance, or any number of other reasons, then the Wild Rivers Habitat Home Repair Program, formerly known as A Brush With Kindness, might be the hand up that you need. The Home Repair Program program helps low-income homeowners that need a little extra help with their owned home, revitalizing the appearance of the neighborhood, strengthening connections within the community and helping to preserve affordable housing stock. Projects include exterior painting, landscaping, minor repair services, and wheelchair ramp installation.

What is the Home Repair Program Program?

Our Home Repair Program opportunities span Burnett, Polk, Rusk and Washburn counties. The Home Repair Program works in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, enabling them to serve more families and increase opportunities for volunteers. Most importantly, the Home Repair Program is part of Habitat’s broader community development strategy called the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI). NRI is designed to carry out Habitat for Humanity’s strategic imperative of helping to transform and strengthen communities so that those who reside in them will be able to live and grow into all that God intends for them.

Qualified applicants will need to provide proof of income, proof of homeownership, and complete an application. Homeowners are responsible for repayment of a no-interest loan by Habitat. The repayment amount is based upon household income. We do not make a profit on the repair; the price will simply reimburse us for our costs. Applicants must be current on mortgage payments, insurance and property taxes in addition to passing a background check. Applicants are asked to complete “sweat equity” volunteer hours to support Habitat’s mission. Examples of volunteer opportunities include volunteering at the ReStore, on home repair project sites or in the Habitat office.

By participating in our Home Repair Program, you will become part of a new movement to expand Habitat’s capacity to help those in need of a safe and decent place to live. Your light will shine brighter in your community as people see how your work serving those in need is restoring hope and dignity to their lives.

History of Home Repair Program (A Brush With Kindness)

A Brush With Kindness (now Home Repair) began in the United States in 1999 as a neighborhood revitalization program of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The program was created by Pat Lund, and with support from the Valspar Corp., it continues to have a significant impact on families and communities in the Twin Cities area and beyond. Habitat for Humanity International, with generous support from the Valspar Corp., has modified that local program and is encouraging affiliates all across the country to join the A Brush With Kindness movement by expanding their scope of services.