City program funds crucial repairs to prevent displacement for 14 income-eligible homes

Since the launch of the Justice for Neighbors Emergency Home Repair Program in 2023, 14 income-eligible households have received grants to complete crucial safety and habitability repairs, with an additional 16 homes currently undergoing work.

The program, funded by a one-time allocation of over $500,000, helps residents who cannot afford necessary repairs by providing up to $15,000 per case.

Completed projects includes installation of new heating systems, roofs, electrical and plumbing systems, and additional work needed found to be building code violations.

The program is managed by the City's Housing and Dangerous Buildings Division of the Community Development Department in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento, created and funded in part by the City Attorney's Office.

The program's focus has been to help maintain Sacramento's aging housing stock with confirmed or potential Code violations which, unless repaired, could lead to displacement.

"The program has been proven to be successful in addressing substandard conditions in homes owned by low-income residents," said Code Enforcement Chief Peter Lemos. "The grant has helped to provide resources to improve housing conditions and safety as well as creating stability for homeowners, which can avoid potential displacement and homelessness."

"We want to do more of this great work with the community," said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. "We need to get creative. We need to find the resources to help more people and prevent homelessness. This is an opportunity to keep people housed."

The program will run until funding is depleted. During a recent City Council meeting, officials expressed interest in finding ways to continue the program beyond its projected end within a year, pending additional funding.