Essex County Home Improvement Program

The Home Improvement Program is funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

CDBG provides Deferred Loans to low- and moderate-income homeowners who occupy a 1- to 3-family home.

Homeowners of the following municipalities may be eligible for assistance through this program: Belleville, Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, Montclair, North Caldwell, Nutley, Orange, Roseland, South Orange, Verona, West Caldwell, and West Orange. If you are a homeowner in Bloomfield, East Orange, Irvington, or Newark, please contact the municipal office for further information on their Home Improvement Program.

Examples of eligible improvements include: heating system, roofing, plumbing, electrical, and code violation abatement.

For more information, please call 973-655-0200 or visit HERE.

Essex County Division of Community Action Rental & Utility Assistance Program

This program provides emergency temporary assistance to low- and moderate-income households in Essex County directly or indirectly impacted by the pandemic and other circumstances. For more information, call 973-395-8350.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark Critical Repair and Healthy Homes Initiative

Habitat for Greater Newark’s Critical Repair and Healthy Homes Initiative utilizes the organization’s expertise in home construction to improve the quality of life for low-to-moderate income homeowners in Essex, Hudson, and Union counties through targeted repairs. The initiative aims to identify and fix barriers to safe and healthy living conditions by providing rehabilitation, home repairs, and home preservation.

How to Apply: Register for an orientation by calling Gabriela Bernal at 973-624-3330 x103 or email gbernal@habitatnewark.org

Learn more HERE.

NJ DCA Universal Service Fund (USF)

Need help with a high balance on your utility bills? The application period to receive help with past-due electric and gas bills is closing soon. USF helps make energy bills more affordable for low-income customers. If you are eligible, USF can lower the amount you must pay for natural gas and electricity.

Learn more and apply HERE.

NJ DCA Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

LIHWAP provides temporary grants to provide forgiveness of overdue water and sewer balances.

Learn more and apply HERE.

Call 800-510-3102 if you have any questions or experience difficulty applying.

Affordable Housing Alliance Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric Program

The Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) Program provides relief on gas and electric bills for low- to moderate-income New Jersey.

Eligible applicants must have an overdue balance of at least $100 and not have $15,000 or more in liquid assets.

To self-screen for program eligibility, apply online, or print an application, please visit www.njpoweron.org.

If you have questions or would like an application mailed to you, call (732) 982-8710.

NJHMFA’s First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program

The First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) offers a fantastic opportunity for eligible buyers.

Key Highlights:

• Financial Support: Qualified first-time homebuyers can receive up to $15,000 towards closing costs and down payment through a forgivable loan.

• Forgivable Loan Terms: The loan is forgivable if you reside in the property as your principal residence for five years and do not refinance your original loan.

• Additional Benefits: Certain buyers meeting specific criteria may be eligible for an additional $7,500.

• Loan Options: The program provides a competitive 30-year, fixed-rate government-insured loan (FHA/VA/USDA) through NJHMFA participating lenders.

Qualification Criteria:

• First-time homebuyers are eligible (not owned a home within the previous three years).

• Property must be used as a primary residence in any New Jersey county.

• The income and purchase price criteria are determined by the area of purchase and family size but may not exceed 140% of the Area Median Income.

NJHMFA's Down Payment Assistance Program

Combine the First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program with NJHMFA's Down Payment Assistance Program for additional support of up to $15,000, interest-free and forgivable over five years.

For more detailed information on income limits, purchase prices, and other restrictions, please refer to the nj.gov website for all the information, the provided fact sheet, and program documents.

• New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency

• First-Time Homebuyer Consumer Fact Sheet.

Life Management Inc.’s Senior Management Program

Provides minor carpentry, electrical, and plumbing repairs to senior residents and caregivers in Essex County, NJ. Qualified homeowners are also able to obtain smoke detectors, ramps, grab bars, railings and chair lifts.

Minor repairs include, but are not limited to: the repair of leaks, steps, windows, doors, locks, ceilings, light fixtures and outlets. Drains and toilets can be unclogged. Boilers and air conditioners can also be installed and serviced.

Learn more HERE. Call 973-655-0300 if you have any questions.