Homeworks Green Loan Program
The HomeWorks Green Loan Program provides eligible Boston homeowners with financial assistance to fund necessary green repairs to their homes.
Income-eligible participants will receive funding to complete green repair projects that improve the overall comfort, safety and sustainability of their homes and contribute to a healthier and more resilient Boston. Eligible projects could include measures such as:
- energy-efficiency upgrades
- health and safety repairs
- interior and exterior renovations, and more.
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.
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:
|
Condos ( in associations of 6 units and under) |
Up to $25,000 |
|
Single-family homes |
Up to $40,000 |
|
Two family homes |
Up to $55,000 |
|
Three-to-four family homes |
Up to $70,000 |
Project costs that are associated with green repairs (up to ⅓ of the total loan) will be forgiven after ten (10) years.
Before you get started, review our Eligibility Requirements to make sure your project meets them.
Have questions? Make sure to join us on January 8th at 6:00 PM for an hour-long informational webinar.
HomeWorks Green Loan Program Overview
You can apply for the HomeWorks Green Loan Program at any time, by using our step by step page located here.
On this page, you'll find information about who can qualify, and how to get ready.
Eligibility
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
|
INCOME LIMITS |
||
|
HOUSEHOLD SIZE |
120% AMI |
135% AMI |
|
1-PERSON |
Under $137,040 |
$154,170 |
|
2-PERSON |
Under $156,720 |
$176,310 |
|
3-PERSON |
Under $176,280 |
$198,315 |
|
4-PERSON |
Under $195,840 |
$220,320 |
|
5-PERSON |
Under $211,560 |
$238,005 |
|
6-PERSON |
Under $227,280 |
$255,690 |
- 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
Repairs You Can and Cannot Do
You can use loans 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’t use the loan for luxury repairs, like adding a jacuzzi or creating additional living spaces.
Benefits
The HomeWorks Green Loan helps 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
- Plan for future green repair projects
Homeworks Green Resources
Take advantage of our multilingual resources 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).
Still Have Questions?
Mayor’s Office of Housing staff are available to answer questions and support you throughout the process.
Reach out to us at homecenter@boston.gov or call 617-635-4663 to have someone reach out to you.
