Community Home TrustDowling Home Maintenance Fund
Maintain peace of mind with assistance for routine and emergency repairs. Keep your home safe and secure with timely support.
CHT homeowners in need of repairs · Our office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 am – 3:30 pm and Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays by appointment only. We are closed on weekends.
From communityhometrust.org/dowling-home-maintenance-fund-2025 ↗About this program
This fund provides no-interest loans to CHT homeowners in need of repairs and/or replacement of items related to the long-term sustainability of their homes. Payment assistance is available for items not covered by HOAs, insurance, or the Stewardship Program and prioritizes support for urgent and/or immediate needs.
Learn more about the establishment of the fund and Robert Dowling, our former executive director, in whose honor it was established.
Please note: Community Home trust does not provide emergency services. Our office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 am – 3:30 pm and Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays by appointment only. We are closed on weekends. Homeowners may need to pay contractors for emergency services or to obtain diagnoses and estimates prior to loan review and approval. We make every effort to process reimbursements in a timely fashion.
Please note: The maximum loan amount available from the fund over the length of a homeowner's tenure is $5,000.
Questions
What kinds of projects are covered by the fund?
These are some eligible uses for the fund: HVAC repair or replacement; Roof and exterior maintenance (including gutters, paint, trim, etc.); Hot water heater repair or replacement; Crawlspace Repairs; Mold Remediation; Plumbing leaks (including possible water damage); Plumbing repair (e.g. faucet loose or not working, sewer back up, replacement of sewer line); Water/mold damage from exterior water intrusion or condensation; Rot or deterioration of entrance stairs or deck/porch; Electrical repairs; Window/ exterior door replacement; Dryer exhaust duct repair; Tree removal (trees or large limbs that could damage house structure); Accessibility/mobility after accident; Pest control issues/damage; Other repairs deemed necessary for safe and healthy habitation; Other repairs deemed necessary for the preservation of the home or affordability
What are the qualifications to apply for a loan from the fund?
In order to qualify, a household must earn below 115% of the area median income (AMI). Total assets (excluding retirement) must not exceed $5,000. You must also be current on all mortgage, HOA dues, and ground lease fees to qualify for the loan.
Do I have to pay back the loan?
Yes, you will sign a promissory note at the time of the loan, and you will be required to pay back the loan when you sell your home. While you own your home, you will not be required to make any payments, and the loan will accrue no interest. It can also be repaid early, if you choose, without penalty.
Should I wait to contact a contractor until after I have applied for the loan?
No, you do not need to wait, especially if the repair is urgent. This loan provides reimbursement only, so regardless, you will need to pay for the repair out of pocket initially. Then you will be reimbursed if you are approved for the loan.
What are the steps to apply for a loan from the fund?
Complete and submit the application here. If further information is needed, you will be contacted by a member of Community Home Trust's staff. Submit required income eligibility documentation. You will be contacted by a member of Community Home Trust's staff to request this documentation after we have reviewed your application. If/when the loan is approved, you will be contacted to schedule a time to meet with our Property Manager and a Notary Public to sign the promissory note. If you have not already, contact a contractor to obtain a diagnosis and estimate for the repair. Schedule and oversee the repairs, then provide receipts to Community Home Trust for reimbursement. Please note: this fund is for reimbursement only, so you will need to pay out of pocket for the repairs initially. CHT makes every effort to process reimbursements in a timely manner.
Details
- Who
- CHT homeowners in need of repairs
- When
- Our office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 am – 3:30 pm and Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays by appointment only. We are closed on weekends.
Run by
Stewardship ProgramSome major home systems will need to be replaced over time. Because these repairs are expensive and important, all Community Home Trust homeowners join our Stewardship Program, which helps cover the cost of certain major replacements and repairs.Capital Improvement Incentive ProgramIn October 2020, we launched the Capital Improvement Incentive Program, a new program being offered to homeowners that allows them to receive a return on their investment in bathroom and kitchen remodels and window replacements.Approved Vendor ListCommunity Home Trust maintains a list of approved vendors. These vendors are insured, and CHT has inspected the quality of their work.