Kingsport Alliance for Housing Revitalization (KAHR) Home Repair Program

How it works

The Kingsport Alliance for Housing Revitalization (KAHR) home repair program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and is designed to help low-income families keep homes decent, safe, sanitary, and energy efficient by rehabilitating substandard single-family dwellings. The emergency repair component is intended to eliminate unsafe, hazardous, and unsanitary conditions that need immediate attention. Dwellings must be owner-occupied and located within the city limits of Kingsport.

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis while funds remain available. If an application meets the program criteria, the homeowner is placed on a waiting list. If the application does not meet the rules, the city says the applicant is notified in writing within 30 days.

What the money covers

The program can pay for repairs that correct conditions creating a threat to health and safety. The city’s FAQ says eligible emergency repairs include, but are not limited to, electrical, roofing, plumbing, and HVAC repairs. The policy manual says the amount of rehabilitation assistance is limited to the lesser of the amount needed to correct the deficiencies identified by staff or a certified codes inspector, or the program maximum.

The FAQ says the maximum allowable repair grant is $25,000 per address, and staff may authorize a larger grant if the maximum amount cannot remove the threat to life, health, or safety. The policy manual says total assistance, including prior repair assistance, may not exceed $25,000 per applicant.

Special senior ramp help

The FAQ also describes the R.A.M.P. (Ramp Access Made Possible) program. It uses volunteer labor from First Broad Street UMC to assemble wheelchair ramps at seniors’ homes. The program is available to seniors age 62 and older at or below 80% of area median income (AMI), and CDBG funds are used to buy the ramp materials so the ramps are free.

How to apply

Homeowners may contact the Community Development Office to request a KAHR application, complete the application and income questionnaire, and return the packet to the city. Program staff bid the work to qualified contractors on the city’s list, and homeowners may suggest contractors if they are licensed and otherwise eligible.

Timing and deadlines

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis while funds remain available. Emergency repairs take precedence. The city says no reimbursement is available for money already spent before assistance is approved.