Do you own a home in Anoka, Minnesota? A new grant can help pay for repairs your home really needs. It’s called the SAFE Homes Grant Program. SAFE stands for Safety, Accessibility, and Functional Efficiency. Since this a grant, the money doesn’t need to be paid back.
What Is the SAFE Homes Grant Program?
The City of Anoka created this program to help homeowners make critical repairs. It’s aimed at seniors, people with disabilities, older homes, and households with urgent safety needs or high energy costs.
The grant can pay for things like:
- Roof repairs
- Electrical and plumbing improvements
- Heating and cooling system upgrades
- Accessibility changes, like ramps and bathroom improvements
- Energy-saving upgrades, like insulation, air sealing, and high-efficiency mechanical systems
It won’t cover cosmetic upgrades, like new flooring just for looks or granite countertops. It also won’t cover additions, expansions, or things like fences, sheds, and decks that aren’t related to safety.
How Much Can I Get?
Grants range from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on your project and needs. This is a grant, not a loan, so you don’t pay it back.
Funding is limited. Applications are reviewed in the order they come in, until all the money for this round is used up. If you think your home needs this kind of help, it’s worth applying sooner rather than later.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you’ll need to meet all of these:
- You own and live in the home as your primary residence
- Your property isn’t a rental, vacation home, or investment property
- You’re current on your property taxes
- Your household income falls below 80% of the area median income, as set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Priority is given to people who are age 62+, disabled, live in a home that is older than 25 years old or has an urgent safety issue, or those who are energy-burdened.
City staff also has the final say on whether a specific project qualifies for funding.
How Do I Apply?
You can apply online through the city’s website. The page walks you through the program guidelines so you can check your eligibility before you start.
If you have questions about the program or your application, contact Anoka’s Housing & Redevelopment Authority Executive Director, Darin Berger, at 763-576-2724.
Relief Recap
A grant that covers major repairs like a new roof or a wheelchair ramp, without having to pay it back, can make a real difference for a homeowner on a tight budget. If you don’t live in Anoka or don’t qualify for this one, check out our free home repair grants or the Minnesota resource page for other programs that might help closer to home.
