Home improvement is life improvement

Homeowners can apply for up to $15,000 to repair threats to safety, health, and quality of life in their homes.

HANDS’ 2023 - 24 Home Improvement Program grant cycle has closed.

$155,000

in home improvement grants provided

15

households served

100%

of program respondents would very likely recommend this program to others

“From the very start, HANDS helped recreate my vision of what I remembered my house to originally look like. The effect and impact of restoring my home to what I remembered has now given me a new sense of community awareness.”

— 2021 Home Improvement Program Grantee.

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters!

A wealth building strategy

Studies show that in the U.S., the value of Black-owned homes in minority neighborhoods is significantly less than that in majority-white neighborhoods, a crucial factor in the huge gap in wealth between Black and white families.

In Orange, as elsewhere, many families that occupy their homes lack the financial resources to improve the health, safety, appearance, and value of their aging properties.

The Heart of Orange, with most (58%) properties built before 1970 and over a quarter built before 1939, faces an especially high need for services addressing aging homes.

In response to this situation, in 2021, HANDS launched its first-ever Home Improvement Program (HIP).

The pilot provided $10,000 grants to enable 15 owner-occupants in the Heart of Orange to hire local women- and minority-owned contractors to do such things as upgrade building systems, increase energy efficiency, install safety features, and improve appearances.

The hope is that these improvements will improve the market value, safety, and curb appeal of residents’ greatest assets while also helping local businesses generate revenue – addressing the Social Determinants of Health and supporting the Local Living Economy of Orange.

HANDS will launch its second cycle of HIP on October 1st, 2023. Boundaries will be expanded to larger areas of the Heart of Orange & Valley Neighborhoods in Orange & West Orange, NJ.

We will offer need-based grants of up to $15,000 to homeowners in these two neighborhoods.

Before & After

Participant Testimonials

  • “My roof, my driveway, and the front step of my house were in bad shape. This program was very handy because I didn't have the budget for those repairs in addition to other repairs in the interior of the house.”

    Home Improvement Participant

  • "The collapsed ceiling and damaged chimney are repaired and are no longer a threat to my safety and well being."

    Home Improvement Participant

  • “My overall experience with HANDS has been one of the most gratifying and pleasurable business relationships I have ever encountered throughout the many years.”

    Home Improvement Program Participant

  • “I have 5 kids, 20, 18, 11, 6, and 3. They practically competed to see who will be the first to use the new bathroom. My 3 and 6 years old who were previously hesitant to shower, now get into the shower voluntarily and refuse to get out when asked to.”

    Home Improvement Program Participant

  • “The program not only helped create a safer home for my family and I, but it also improved the curb appeal of my property.”

    Home Improvement Participant

Looking for additional homeowner resources?