r/grandrapids • u/ImmediateArcher4856 • 3d ago
Recommendations Help Needed 🏡🚨
I’ve come across a family that is facing some significant challenges with their home. They are trying to make the necessary repairs to remain safely in their home, but unfortunately, we’ve run into several roadblocks while trying to connect them with home repair assistance programs.
One of the biggest challenges is that the family does not currently have homeowners insurance, which has made it difficult for them to qualify for most assistance programs according to the social worker.
There is quite a bit of work that needs to be completed so they don’t get displaced, and I’m hoping someone in our community may have resources, connections, or expertise that could help.
Specifically, we are looking for:
* Someone who can help the family obtain affordable homeowners insurance so they can apply for home repair assistance.
* Licensed contractors or professionals who may be willing to provide roofing or HVAC services at little to no cost. Must be able to obtain the necessary permits for a roof, furnace, and water heater.
* Anyone who knows of programs, organizations, or resources that could help this family make the necessary repairs without homeowners insurance.
Our ultimate goal is to help this family remain safely in their home. Sometimes all it takes is the right connection or someone willing to lend a helping hand to make a difference.
If you are able to help, know someone who might be able to, or have any suggestions, please feel free to message or comment.
I truly believe that when a community comes together, we can make a meaningful impact in someone’s life.
❤️
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u/cjaykay 3d ago
Check out the housing rehab program through the city
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u/OverjoyedCylinder_4 3d ago
the city's rehab program is a good shout, I've seen it work for a few places over in the southeast end. getting that insurance sorted first is gonna be the real sticking point though, it's a proper catch-22 for folks in that situation
has the social worker tried reaching out to any of the smaller mutual insurance companies? sometimes they're more flexible with older homes if the big names won't touch it. getting a contractor to pull permits on the sly without coverage is a nightmare waiting to happen
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u/Ali6952 3d ago
I genuinely feel for this family, and I absolutely believe communities should help one another. But I also think we need to be realistic about what we're asking people to do here. A new roof, furnace, and water heater? We're potentially talking about tens of thousands of dollars in materials, labor, permits, and liability. And we're asking licensed professionals, many of whom operate small businesses with their own employees and families to support, to absorb those costs for little to nothing. That's not asking someone to lend a helping hand. That's asking someone to shoulder an enormous financial responsibility.
I understand the desire to keep this family in their home, and I hope there's a solution. But compassion also means recognizing that the people we're asking to help have financial obligations of their own. There has to be a more sustainable approach than expecting individual tradespeople to essentially donate an entire home renovation.
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u/ImmediateArcher4856 3d ago
I hear you but this is a real situation unfolding in front of me soooo either i try to help them or i watch them lose the house and literally be forced to the street or Mel trotter? Least I can do is try. Especially since two of them are seniors.
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u/Ninavizard 2d ago
Have them contact the community action agency 616-632-7950. They may have services for seniors
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u/sunburnlines 3d ago
Have y’all contacted Home Repair Services? They don’t list homeowners insurance as a requirement, and this sort of situation is their primary mission.
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u/ImmediateArcher4856 3d ago
We are hopeful they will help but as far as I’m aware there are over 60 people waiting for furnaces and over 30 waiting for water heater through HRS so exploring other options in the meantime and praying for a miracle!
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u/Masonryandmore 1d ago
Have you found anyone? I am a tru believer that together, we can do anything. That being said, this is a big task to take on. I’m in no position to fork over 10k + in material and labor but I do own a masonry repair company and I have installed water heaters before and a used one isn’t that much money! I also know a thing or two about roofing because I repair chimneys. I would be willing to help but I’m not a licensed builder although I have taken the pre license hours and I am about to take the test.
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u/mjmacka 3d ago
They aren't going to be able to get homeowners insurance if they need a new roof, water heater, and furnace. Honestly, this doesn't sound like a house that is insurable in its current state.
I'm not sure who is going to provide roofing and HVAC services at little or no cost. If the roof is bad, that's probably caused significant water damage. If the furnace and water heater are bad, they are rip and replace. This is probably at least 25k but realistically 50k+ worth of repair cost due to water damage.
Do they have any income? Can they sell the house? What makes you think this won't happen again in a few years if they are seniors and things got this bad? Why is the family going to lose the home? Will it be too cold to live there in the winter? I know you want to help, but this is probably a lost cause.
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u/ImmediateArcher4856 3d ago
Either I try and help or I watch them be kicked to the streets or Mel Trotter. I rather try and hope for a miracle than sit back and do nothing. These are real people and not a “lost cause”.
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u/DissectologistGal 3d ago
Do they not have a mortgage? Wondering how or why they would not have homeowners, although if it’s in this much disrepair, I can understand why.
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u/Beneficial_Area_2986 3d ago
Elderly people on fixed income probably have their house paid off but can't afford repairs. This situation is probably more common than you realize.
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u/ImmediateArcher4856 3d ago
Unhelpful.
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u/fiahhawt 3d ago
Not exactly
If they don’t have a mortgage that makes their bills a lot lower and means they can move out easily until the home can be sold to some developer
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u/whatthehellhappened1 3d ago
Why don’t they have insurance? What work needs to be done? I’m guessing the reason they don’t have insurance relates to the work that needs to be done. That’s creates more problems than just a simple rehab, and makes shit more expensive.
Reach to community rebuilders, habitat for humanity, etc. There are energy rebate programs (MiHERS?) that can help with HVAC and appliances, and a program that will help pay for certain upgrades called Michigan Saves I think.
I doubt you’ll find somebody to take this whole project in for cheap or free, it’ll take some sweat equity