A Brush with Kindness

Home Repair Program

A Brush with Kindness helps low-income homeowners impacted by age, disability and family circumstances, who struggle to maintain the exterior of their homes. We partner with these families with exterior repairs, yard clean-up, exterior painting, and light landscaping to help them reclaim their homes with strength and dignity.

A Brush with Kindness ensures that families live in safe and well-maintained homes. The program is designed to revitalize the appearance of the neighborhood, encourage connections within the community, and most importantly, help preserve affordable housing stock.

Apply Online
Download Application

A Brush with Kindness Projects

A Brush with Kindness includes basic outdoor repairs and isn’t designed for critical repairs or for work that is time sensitive. Here are some examples of repairs that would qualify.

  • Exterior painting/staining

  • Minor repairs

  • Porch/deck repairs

  • Wheelchair ramps

  • Light landscaping

  • Outdoor clean up

Home Repair Overview

  • To qualify for A Brush with Kindness, applicants must:

    • Own and live in a home in Madison or Clark County

    • Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

    • Have lived in the home for at least one year prior to applying

    • Plan to remain in the home for at least three years after the repair

    • Use the home as their primary residence

    • Demonstrate a genuine need for repair assistance

    • Be current on mortgage payments

    • Be current on property taxes

    • Have homeowners insurance with liability coverage

    • Be current on insurance premiums

    • Be willing to partner with Habitat during the repair process
      (Accommodations available for individuals with disabilities)

  • Along with your online application, please be prepared to submit:

    • Proof of Homeowners Insurance
      (Insurance declaration from your provider)

    • Verification of Residence
      (Recent utility bill, bank or credit card statement)

    • Government-issued photo ID
      (Driver’s license or other ID showing current address for each resident age 18+)

    • Income Verification

      • Two most recent pay stubs for all employed residents age 18+

      • If applicable, documents for any non-employment income (e.g. SSI, child support, pensions, Medicaid, etc.)

  • Applicants must have a total household income that does not exceed 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI):

    Madison County

    • Household of 1:  $28,800 – $37,140

    • Household of 2:  $28,800 – $42,480

    • Household of 3:  $28,800 – $47,760

    • Household of 4:  $28,800 – $53,040

    • Household of 5:  $28,800 – $57,300

    • Household of 6:  $28,800 – $61,560

    • Household of 7:  $28,800 – $65,820

    • Household of 8:  $28,800 – $70,020

    Clark County

    • Household of 1: $28,800 – $43,020

    • Household of 2: $28,800 – $49,200

    • Household of 3: $28,800 – $55,320

    • Household of 4: $28,800 – $61,440

    • Household of 5: $28,800 – $66,360

    • Household of 6: $28,800 – $71,280

    • Household of 7: $28,800 – $76,200

    • Household of 8: $28,800 – $81,120

What Happens After You Apply

Once you submit your application and all supporting documents, our team will review your materials to ensure you meet the A Brush with Kindness criteria.

If your application is approved, a volunteer will schedule a time to visit your home and assess the requested repairs. At least one homeowner must be present during this assessment.

During the visit, our volunteer will gather information to help determine which repairs Habitat may be able to complete.

NOTICE: The federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age (provided the applicant has the capacity to enter into a binding contract); because all or part of the applicant’s income derives from any public assistance program; or because the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. The federal agency that administers compliance with this law concerning this creditor is the Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580.