What is the Revive+Thrive Home Repair Loan Program?

The Revive+Thrive Home Repair Loan Program is an initiative designed to help homeowners in Hamilton County, Ohio, make essential home repairs. The program provides affordable loans at a low 2% interest rate, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, to cover the costs of necessary repairs. This program is modeled after successful programs in both Memphis, TN and Detroit, MI. 

Who is behind the Home Repair Loan Program?

The program is powered by LISC Greater Cincinnati and backed by a $2 million investment from the Hamilton County Commission through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The Greater Cincinnati Foundation provides additional support, and financing is handled by Warsaw Federal Bank.  

What makes this program unique?

The Revive+Thrive Home Repair Loan Program offers low-interest loans and comprehensive support services to homeowners. Trusted local partners like 211, Working in Neighborhoods (WIN), and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati assist with the application process and oversee the construction and repairs, ensuring the work meets high standards. Homeowners will have the opportunity to have one-on-one support through  to navigate the process of collecting all required documentation for program participation.  

What types of repairs can the loan be used for?

The loan can be used for a wide range of urgent repairs that improve living conditions and add long-term value to the home. The following categories of repairs will be prioritized:

• Health and Safety (lead, mold, asbestos)
• Existing code violations
• General improvements (non-cosmetic) such as roof repairs, plumbing, electrical work, heating and cooling systems, and other essential structural repairs. 

How will the repairs be managed?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati will oversee the repairs, working with trusted contractors to ensure all work is completed to the highest standards. This takes added stress off of the homeowner, we take care of it all! 

What are the loan amounts and interest rates?

Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the homeowner’s ability to repay, with a low % interest rate of 2%. 

Are there any other fees associated with this loan?

Yes. The homeowner is responsible for a small $150 closing fee for this loan. 

How long do I have to repay the loan?

The repayment terms will be discussed during the loan approval process. The typical loan length is 10 years, with payments beginning 75 days after the closing date. 

Is there a credit score requirement?

The minimum credit score required to quaklify for this loan is 560, which is between the "poor" and "fair" rating. The program is designed to be accessible to homeowners with difficulty qualifying for traditional loans. While credit history may be considered, it is not the sole factor in determining eligibility.  If you do not qualify based on your credit score, we are happy to connect you with resources through our intake partner Working In Neighborhoods, who can provide credit and budget counseling. 

Are there income requirements?

Households with incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income will be prioritized. This translates to $72,850 for a family of three and $56,650 for a single person living alone. Households above 80% AMI may be eligible if they meet other eligibility requirements. 

Who is eligible to apply for the Home Repair Loan Program?

The program is open to homeowners in Hamilton County, Ohio, who need to make essential home repairs. The program is particularly geared toward those who may struggle to qualify for traditional loans. The home must be the primary residence of the homeowner.  

How do I apply for the Home Repair Loan Program?

To apply, homeowners can call the United Way of Greater Cincinnati 211 Helpline. The trained staff members will guide applicants through the screening and application process. View the pre-qualification checklist HERE. 

What documents or information will I need to apply?

Applicants must provide proof of homeownership and income verification.  Specific documentation requirements will be outlined during the application process.

Some documents you may need:

• Copy of current driver’s license, state ID, D-ID, passport
• Birth certificate (not required if you have an enhanced license)
• Recorded deed or other eligible ownership documentation (i.e. mortgage discharge, recorded land contract, probate documents)
• Copy of current homeowners insurance (i.e. declaration page)
• Most recent paid property tax bill
• Copy of property tax payment plan + 3 receipts as proof of payment
• Income verification forms (submitted by all household members over 18)
• Proof of Occupancy – Most recent utility bill(s), property insurance, property tax, homestead exemption;
• Two (2) most recent pay stubs (or other proof of income)
• Two (2) most recent years of income tax returns (or signed, notarized tax-exempt affidavit)
• Two (2) most recent months of bank statements

What kind of support does the program offer beyond the loan?

In addition to financial assistance, the program offers wrap-around support services. Working in Neighborhoods will assist with the application process, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati will manage the construction and repairs, ensuring quality workmanship.  

How does the Home Repair Loan Program benefit the community?

The program helps stabilize neighborhoods by ensuring homes are safe and well-maintained, enhancing property values and contributing to the financial stability of homeowners. By investing in local housing stock, the program also supports the creation of generational wealth in the community. 

What other programs are part of LISC Greater Cincinnati’s Homeownership Preservation Strategy?

The Revive + Thrive Home Repair Loan is part of LISC Greater Cincinnati’s broader Homeownership Preservation Strategy, which includes the Lead Safe Hamilton County Program, to preserve and enhance housing stock in the region. Please visit the LISC Greater Cincinnati Housing Our Future page to learn more about this initiative. 

Where can I find updates about the program?

Updates and additional information will be available through Hamilton County’s official channels, LISC Greater Cincinnati’s website, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.   

Your private information is safe with us! Participants of the Revive + Thrive Home Repair program are required to submit personal and confidential information in order to participate. This information includes items such as: name, address, telephone number, social security number, birthdate, bank records, driver’s license, etc. This document serves as LISC Greater Cincinnati, and our partners use of the information provided and our guarantee to protect your personal information. Click the link below for more information on how your information is collected and used for this program. 

Revive + Thrive Homeowner Consent Form 

What is this program? 

The Revive + Thrive Home Repair Loan Program is an initiative designed to help homeowners in Hamilton County, Ohio, make essential home repairs. The program provides affordable loans at a low 2% interest rate, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, to cover the costs of necessary repairs.

Who is behind the Home Repair Loan Program? 

The program is powered by LISC Greater Cincinnati and backed by a $2 million investment from the Hamilton County Commission through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The Greater Cincinnati Foundation provides additional support, and financing is handled by Warsaw Federal Bank.  

What makes this program unique?

The Revive+Thrive Home Repair Loan Program offers low-interest loans and comprehensive support services to homeowners. Trusted local partners like 211, Working in Neighborhoods, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati assist with the application process and oversee the construction and repairs, ensuring the work meets high standards. Homeowners will have the opportunity to have one-on-one support through WIN to navigate the process of collecting all required documentation for program participation.  

Who is eligible to apply for the Home Repair Loan Program?

The program is open to homeowners in Hamilton County, Ohio, who need to make essential home repairs. The program is particularly geared toward those who may struggle to qualify for traditional loans. The home must be the homeowner's primary residence.  

Households with incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income will be prioritized. This translates to $72,850 for a family of three and $56,650 for a single person living alone. Households above 80% AMI may be eligible if they meet other eligibility requirements. 

What types of repairs are eligible for this program? 

The loan can be used for a wide range of urgent repairs that improve living conditions and add long-term value to the home. The following categories of repairs will be prioritized: 

• Health and Safety (lead, mold, asbestos)
• Existing code violations 
• Non-cosmetic General improvements, which may include: roof repairs, plumbing, electrical work, heating and cooling systems, and other essential structural repairs. 

How can I apply for the program? 

Call the United Way of Greater Cincinnati 211 Helpline to determine eligibility for the program. 

Click HERE for a printable list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Revive + Thrive Home Repair Loan Program.