Minor Home Repairs / Operation One Touch

How it works

Operation One Touch (OOT) is a signature program run by the Richland County Community Development Office. The county says it is funded through the annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from HUD and is meant to support housing initiatives for low- and moderate-income households in unincorporated Richland County.

What the money covers

The program provides assistance for eligible repairs to a homeowner’s primary residence when the work is needed for critical health and safety issues. The page lists the following eligible repair types:

• Water heaters
• Electrical
• Roof
• Windows
• Floors
• HVAC
• Accessibility improvements, including ADA ramps, grab bars, handrails, and banisters

The county also says it inspects homes and evaluates whether proposed repairs are feasible within the program’s scope, taking into account the repair type and total cost.

Amounts and loan terms

The county states that eligible homes can receive up to $23,000 in funds per home. Assistance is provided as a deferred forgivable loan. The loan has a 0% interest rate and no repayment is required if the homeowner remains in compliance with the occupancy rules.

How the loan forgiveness works

Applicants must sign a written affidavit agreeing to occupy the home as their primary residence for five years after assistance is granted. If ownership or occupancy changes before the five-year term ends, a pro-rata portion of the loan becomes due in full.

How to apply

Applications are first-come, first-served and require a completed application packet. The page includes an application checklist with documents such as a deed, mortgage statement, hazard insurance policy, tax return, proof of residence, ID, bank statements, check stubs or Social Security/retirement statements, enrollment verification for students in college, termite inspection report, and signed forms provided by the Community Development Office.

Timing and deadlines

The county says Operation One Touch opens for new applications once each year, but it is currently not accepting applications. The page does not provide a reopening date or a filing deadline.