making a difference one home at a time
As time passes, both our homes and our bodies require a little more care. For many homeowners, everyday features like stairs, worn railings, or needed repairs can make staying in the home they love more challenging. When essential updates—like grab bars, safer entryways, or fixing a leaking roof—feel financially out of reach, remaining safely at home can become difficult.
Our goal is simple: to help neighbors continue living safely and comfortably in the place they’ve called home for years. Through practical repairs and accessibility improvements, we work alongside homeowners to remove hazards, restore peace of mind, and support independence at home.
Aging-In-Place Program
Habitat for Humanity of Jackson, TN Area’s Aging-in-Place Program helps older homeowners remain safely and comfortably in the homes they have built their lives around. For many seniors, small repairs or accessibility challenges can gradually make everyday living more difficult—but with the right support, those barriers can often be removed.
Serving Madison and Haywood counties, this program focuses on practical improvements that help make homes safer and easier to navigate. Projects may include accessibility updates, mobility modifications, weatherization improvements, and critical repairs that address safety concerns and improve day-to-day living.
By addressing these needs, we help neighbors maintain their independence and continue living in the communities they know and love. Our goal is simple: to ensure more seniors can age in place with the safety, comfort, and dignity everyone deserves.
Who is eligible?
You may qualify for the AIP Program if you meet all of the following criteria:
Basic Eligibility
You may qualify for Habitat Jackson’s Aging-in-Place Program if:
-
You own and live in your home full time
-
You are age 60 or older
-
Your home is located in Madison or Haywood County, Tennessee
-
You do not own any additional property
-
Your property taxes and mortgage (if applicable) are current
-
Your home needs repairs that fall within the scope of the program
-
Your household income meets program guidelines (generally below 60% AMI)
Documentation Requirements
-
Applicants must be able to provide:
-
Proof of homeownership
-
Proof of identity, age, residency, and household income
-
A recent mortgage statement (if applicable)
-
Signatures from all individuals listed on the property deed
-
Documentation confirming that all information provided is accurate and consistent
Additional Information
-
Rental properties are not eligible for assistance through this program.
-
“Current” means your taxes or mortgage are up to date, or you are actively following an approved payment plan with no penalties or past-due balance.
Documents You May Be Asked to Provide
Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation such as:
-
Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or similar)
-
Birth certificate
-
Utility bill showing residency
-
Two recent pay stubs (within the last 30 days)
-
Mortgage statement or property documents
-
Social Security income statement
-
Retirement, pension, or bank statements
-
Documentation of any name changes (such as marriage license, divorce decree, or death certificate)
Who does the work?
Habitat will coordinate all work through trained volunteers and qualified home repair professionals. All contractors will be properly licensed and insured, and project managers will oversee the work to ensure it meets program standards and is completed safely and with care.
What's the cost?
Program Terms
Repairs completed through the Aging-in-Place Program are provided as a grant. Habitat covers the cost of approved materials and work to help make your home safer and more accessible.
A temporary deed restriction will be placed on the property for five years after the work is completed. If the home is sold or ownership is transferred during that time, a portion of the grant may need to be repaid. For each year you continue to live in the home, 20% of the grant is forgiven. After five years, the balance is fully forgiven and no repayment is required.
Participants will also be asked to complete brief follow-up surveys approximately 2 months, 1 year, and 3 years after the project is finished.
Homeowners are responsible for the recording fee required to file the deed restriction with the county Register of Deeds. This fee typically ranges from $12–$35, though it may vary. All individuals listed on the property deed or mortgage will need to sign the required documentation.
What kind of work is done?
Scope of Work
Habitat staff will inspect the home and prepare a recommended list of repairs. This list is only a starting point and does not guarantee that all items will be completed. Final project decisions are made by Habitat based on safety needs, program guidelines, and available funding.
Projects accepted during the application period will primarily focus on critical repairs and accessibility improvementsthat help make the home safer and easier to navigate.
Typical improvements may include:
-
Accessibility updates such as grab bars, wheelchair ramps, or widened doorways
-
Repairs that improve safety and mobility throughout the home
-
Weatherization improvements, such as repairing broken windows or addressing water leaks
-
Other essential repairs that fall within program guidelines and available resources
Please note:
Cosmetic improvements are not covered through this program. This includes items such as painting, cabinetry, appliances, window treatments, security bars, or trim work.
Certain housing types may also limit the work that can be completed. Homes that are not detached, single-family residences (such as some condos or mobile homes) may not qualify for certain services.
