LISC Memphis launches home repair for seniors program with Habitat for Humanity
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A new home repair initiative has been launched in the Bluff City, specifically designed to help older residents be able to continue living safely in their own homes.
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Memphis teamed up with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis to launch the Critical Home Repair for Seniors Program, which will offer grants to address urgent health, accessibility, and safety needs in homes across the city.
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) joined LISC President and CEO Michael Pugh, along with residents and local leaders, at BRIDGES USA to make the announcement Monday.
“This program is about more than repairs—it’s about honoring the contributions of longtime residents by ensuring they can remain in the homes and neighborhoods they love,” Pugh said. “Through this partnership with Habitat for Humanity, we are aligning resources where they matter most, strengthening stability for seniors and investing in the long-term health of our communities.”
The program will be funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Project Funding program.
“I was pleased to secure $3 million for the Memphis Home Repair Grant Program for very low-income senior citizens through the annual appropriations process,” Cohen said. “This funding will allow our elderly residents to ‘age in place’ in their own homes, surrounded by their friends and neighbors. The improvements will address accessibility needs, health and safety concerns, and other needed home repairs to increase efficiency and safety. This is a smart investment in our seniors, our community, and its housing stock.”
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis will oversee the client application process, conduct assessments for needed repairs, coordinate the contractors, and manage the repair work; working to ensure that repairs meet high safety, quality, and accessibility standards.
“Memphis Habitat has provided older homeowners with accessibility modifications and critical repairs since 2015,” said Dwayne Spencer, President and CEO of Memphis Habitat. “Yet, we know thousands of senior homeowners still need these services. We are so grateful to Congressman Cohen and LISC for recognizing the need for senior home repairs and securing this funding which will enable Memphis Habitat to serve more of our neighbors.”
In order to qualify for the Critical Home Repair for Seniors Program, residents must:
- Be at least 62-years-old
- Have a household income at or below 50% of Area Median Income
- Own and occupy the home for which the repairs are requested
- Live within the City of Memphis
- Be current on city and county property taxes, or enrolled in an approved payment plan
- Provide proof of current property insurance at the time of application
Memphis Habitat said they will be accepting repair applications through a periodic call-in process, and a new application date will be shared in early 2026. Clients will be selected on a first-come, first-qualified basis until all the repair dollars are allocated.
More information on the program can be found on the LISC website or the Memphis Habitat website.