The Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative offers three different programs; A Brush with Kindness (ABWK), Critical Home Repairs (CHR), Critical Home Repairs for Veterans and Weatherization.

A Brush with Kindness (ABWK) and Critical Home Repairs (CHR) The program selects family partners who have 1) shown they have a need for Habitat for Humanity’s services; 2) have met the income criteria established for the program (the household earns less than 60% of the area median income), and 3) have shown a willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. Partnering includes agreeing to the Neighborhood Covenant (Section 9) and agreeing to partner through the Fund for Humanity.

The Critical Home Repairs for Veterans provides extensive interior or exterior home repairs that alleviate critical health, life and safety issues or housing code violations. Veterans are selected if they earn less than 80% of the metropolitan area median income, live in the home as their primary residence and were honorably discharged. The veteran may have served during times of peace or war.

Weatherization Families are selected if they earn less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, they meet family selection criteria and the home was not already weatherized after 9/30/1994.

Homeowners are eligible to participate in the program based on several factors such as the condition of the home, income of the homeowners and a demonstration of challenging circumstances such as disability, illness, or age that prevent them from doing the work themselves. Only homes in Prince William County, Manassas or Manassas Park are eligible. For the ABWK, Critical Home Repairs and Weatherization program the applicant must be the homeowner and the house must be their primary residence, for the Critical Home Repairs for Veterans the applicant must live in the home as their primary residence and be honorably discharged. Homeowners go through an application process to verify eligibility. The home is inspected for need and the homeowner is interviewed and is asked to sign a covenant of cooperation. All able-bodied homeowners are required to work alongside volunteers.

Families will need to fall within the income guidelines based on the program they are interested in.

Year 2011 Guidelines (Effective May 31, 2011)

1. Homeowners must agree to financially pledge to assist another homeowner at the time of their home sale or refinancing.
2. Homeowners may not sell their home for at least two years after the work is completed on their home except for certain circumstances beyond your control (i.e., illness)
3. Homeowners must be home during all times when the volunteers are working on site.