Austin Area Urban League Home Repair Client Sharon Madison-Lee

Owning a home in Austin can be challenging with rising taxes and household expenses. That’s especially true for seniors who are on a fixed income. The challenge can become a nightmare when critical repairs are needed. Neglecting those repairs can lead to dangerous safety or health situations or force homeowners to sell their home. There is help available through the Austin Area Urban League’s (AAUL) Emergency Home Repair Program, a free service.

The program revitalizes Austin neighborhoods and helps to keep people in their homes by ensuring low and middle-income Austin residents receive emergency repairs needed to maintain a healthy and safe living environment. To qualify, applicants must:

• Own and occupy the home being repaired
• Live within the Austin city limits
• Meet income guidelines (below 80% median family income)
• Have repair needs that meet emergency criteria including leaking gas pipes and electrical problems. Repair of major systems such as electrical, plumbing, roofing, mechanical and heating systems is also available in many instances.

All repairs are provided by licensed plumbing, HVAC and electrical contractors as well as general contractors where carpentry and roofing are involved. Funding for the repair program is made possible by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the City of Austin’s Neighborhood Housing and Community Development office. On average, the Emergency Home Repair Program serves over 400 homes each year. Homeowners often call AAUL directly for assistance. The organization also receives referrals through its collaboration with the Austin Housing Repair Coalition. Also, AAUL has many social workers, in-home caregivers, neighbors and relatives who contact them on behalf of homeowners. Referrals can also come through staff’s participation in community events.