Homeworks Green Loan Program

Before you apply to the HomeWorks Green program, you'll need to receive a Mass Save assessment and obtain quotes from at least two contractors. Once you are ready to apply, the Boston Home Center will conduct an income verification process to confirm your eligibility.  You'll be able to start construction once we've verified your eligibility and you've signed on the loan. 

For a step-by-step guide on how the application process works:

VISIT OUR HOW TO PAGE

The HomeWorks Green Loan Program offers income-eligible homeowners interest-free loans to cover the cost of eligible repairs. The loan amount differs depending on what type of home you have and your household income.  The availability and amount of financial assistance may be reduced if other program incentives are available. Additionally, the list of eligible green repairs may change without notice.

Your Annual Household Income cannot exceed 135% of Area Median Income (AMI) as indicated by HUD income limits. (Please see the chart labeled Annual Household Income, and look at Column G.)

Homeowners with Annual Household Income of  between 120-135% of Area Median Income (Annual Household Income Chart, Columns F and G) will have to match the City-funded loan 1:1 with their own funds or with a bank loan.

There are no owner match requirements for homeowners with incomes below 120% AMI.

If your household is qualified, the Boston Home Center will provide up to:

Project costs that are associated with green repairs (up to ⅓ of the total loan) will be forgiven after ten (10) years. 

To participate in the HomeWorks Green Loan Program, homeowners must:

• Own and occupy a 1-4 unit home or condo (up to 6 units)
• Have an annual income at or below 135% Area Median Income (AMI). This includes rental income

• Have received a Mass Save Assessment and be able to submit a copy of the assessment as part of your application package
• Have less than $100,000 in financial assets, whether in cash, equity in non-primary real estate, investment funds, or any other item of value, excluding the equity of the homeowner’s primary residence and government-approved retirement funds, and college savings plans;
• Have not received home repair financial assistance from any City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH) program within the past 10 years. This excludes the de-leading and home buyer assistance programs.
• Be current with all of the City of Boston and home accounts, including property taxes, water bill, mortgage, and property insurance

You can use the HomeWorks Green Loan for repairs to the inside or outside of your home, like changing a bathroom or fixing a porch. 

One-third (1/3) of the project scope must be used for eligible green repairs, such as oil tank removal, damp-proofing the basement, asbestos, vermiculite and knob and tube removal, heat pump water heaters, electrical upgrades, and more!

For a full list, see the Eligible Green Repair Fact Sheet. The Fact Sheets are available in Spanish (Español), Portuguese (Português), Simplified Chinese (中文), Traditional Chinese (繁體中文), French (Français), Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu Kabuverdianu), Haitian Creole (Kreyòl ayisyen), Somali (Soomaali), Russian (русский), Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt), and Arabic (عربى).

You can not use the loan for luxury repairs, like adding a jacuzzi or creating additional living spaces.

The HomeWorks Green Loan Program can help homeowners:

• Address critical health and safety repairs
• Increase energy efficiency and reduce utility costs
• Improve indoor air quality and living conditions
• Remove barriers to insulation, air-sealing, heat pumps and other decarbonization measures
• Increase building resilience to mitigate the impacts of climate change, including heat waves and extreme weather events

• Increase building resilience to mitigate the impacts of climate change, including heat waves and extreme weather events
• Plan for future green repair projects