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What is A Brush with Kindness?
A Brush with Kindness is a program of Cedar Valley
Habitat for Humanity that helps low-income homeowners by
offering exterior home improvements. Volunteer teams
work to improve the condition of homes by painting,
landscaping, and performing minor exterior repairs at
minimal costs to homeowners who would be unable to
complete home repairs on their own. Able-bodied
homeowners are encouraged to work alongside the
volunteers in a cooperative effort. This program is for
homeowners earning 50 percent or less of the median
income for their county (please see Income Guidelines).
How Do We Work?
Supplies and skilled labor are offered to homeowners via
no-profit, no-interest loans. These loans cover project
costs up to $1,500, with a second loan, forgivable after
3 years, bearing any additional costs. The payments on
these loans are put into a revolving Fund for Humanity
to pay for other Habitat for Humanity projects. To
encourage homeowners to begin saving as soon as they are
accepted into the program, those able to pay up front
receive 50% off the project cost.
Am I Eligible?
Applicants who wish to participate in A Brush with
Kindness must:
- Own and occupy a home that needs and could
benefit from short-term exterior improvements.
- Meet the income guidelines outlined in this
brochure.
- Be willing to partner with Habitat to complete
Sweat Equity hours.
- Be unable to complete home repairs otherwise due
to age, disability, or circumstance.
- Own and occupy a house in Linn or Benton county.
- Possess current homeowner's insurance.
How Do I Apply?
Applications for A Brush with Kindness are available for
download in the
application documents section. To receive a hard
copy of an application, please call the Habitat office
at 319-366-4485 or e-mail Habitat at
americorps1@cvhabitat.org, and an application will
be mailed to you. In order to complete the application,
you will need to provide copies of the following items:
- Your last four pay stubs or other proof of
income.
- Name, mailing address and telephone number of
your current employer.
- Your most recent tax return.
- Proof of child support and/or public assistance
(SSI, Social Security, Food Stamps, etc), if you
receive them.
- Proof of home ownership (this may include the
Deed of Trust or your most recent property tax
receipt).
- Proof of current homeowner's insurance.
If you would like to learn more about A Brush with
Kindness, please call (319) 366-4485 or email
americorps1@cvhabitat.org today!
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