Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County (Habitat SLO) is proud to announce the official relaunch of its Home Preservation Program, beginning September 5.
This initiative helps low-income homeowners—especially seniors, veterans and people with disabilities by providing critical repairs, accessibility upgrades, exterior improvements and in the future, homeowner education.
“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, grant funds or affordable low/zero interest loans may be provided to homeowners to cover repair costs, with homeowners contributing by partnering with Habitat through volunteerism or “sweat equity”. This partnership approach ensures dignity, shared investment and long-term stability.
The Home Preservation Program includes:
- Aging in Place Services – The Home Preservation Program is closely tied to Habitat’s Aging in Place initiative, focusing on the unique needs of older adults in San Luis Obispo County including installing wheelchair ramps and widening doorways for accessibility, adding grab bars and nonslip flooring in bathrooms, improving interior and exterior lighting to reduce fall risks, upgrading kitchen counters and cabinets for easy reach and safe use, replacing doorknob with levers, removing and replacing fall hazards and cleaning up and installing low maintenance landscaping.
- Critical Home Repairs – urgent fixes including replacing aging hot water systems, siding repair, replacing broken or inefficient windows with energy-efficient models, and creating wildfire defensible space.
- A Brush with Kindness – exterior projects like painting home exteriors, planting droughttolerant, low maintenance landscaping, replacing damaged front steps or porches, and repairing fences to provide safety and comfort.
- Home Maintenance Education – workshops and checklists to give homeowners the skills to identify regular maintenance needs and 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 September 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. To learn more or apply, visit www.habitatslo.org.
Community members can support the Home Preservation Program by donating, volunteering, or sponsoring projects. Every gift stays local and helps Habitat SLO build homes, communities, and hope. For more information, please contact Dawn Smith at [email protected] or 805-316-1192.