By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan
When the need arises for a home repair or basic maintenance, many people search for a reliable professional. Often, with a few skills and some basic tools, people can maintain and repair their own homes, which can save a lot of money. Learning home repair skills, being able to practice repair skills without damaging your home, and finding the necessary tools can be challenging and expensive if you do not have any prior knowledge. If you live in mid-Michigan and are interested in learning basic home repairs and maintenance, the Capital Area Housing Partnership (CAHP) is a great resource.
CAHP offers a variety of programs and workshops to help mid-Michigan residents. If you’re having trouble making payments on your house, or if you’re worried about going into foreclosure, CAHP’s Foreclosure Prevention may be able to help.
If you are interested in money management strategies, how to manage your debt, or build your credit, CAHP offers a variety of financial workshops. The Home Buyer Education classes have a $20 charge, but many of the other classes are free.
For homeowners in certain communities, CAHP may have funding available to help with certain home repairs. CAHP’s Homeowner Rehabilitation Program funds may only be used to cover certain repairs related to home safety and energy efficiency.
CAHP’s Homeowner Education and Resource Organization (HERO) Program provides a wealth of knowledge and resources to Lansing residents. HERO classes educate Lansing residents on a variety of skills from using power tools to basic equipment maintenance or even gardening. The HERO Tool Library provides Lansing residents with a wide variety of tools to borrow. The tool library, a large truck full of tools, is perfect for anything from a small home project to larger-scale community projects. Members can borrow any of the tools, or even the truck.
If you are 62 or older, or have a severe disability and need assistance installing safety or accessibility devices, the Tuesday Toolmen may be able to help you! This group of volunteers works together each week to help make the homes of qualified applicants safer and more accessible. If you think you might qualify for help, you can fill out a Tuesday Toolmen Application for assistance.
If you would like to learn more about owning a home, home repairs, and resources for local homeowners and prospective homeowners, check out the Capital Area Housing Partnership.
Grace DeRose-Wilson is a Screening Integration Coordinator for MiCAFE at Elder Law of Michigan and has been a member of the Elder Law of Michigan team since November 2018. As a Screening Integration Coordinator, Grace helps Michigan seniors navigate the benefits application process, and helps raise awareness of benefits through community outreach events.