Since 2006 Austin Habitat for Humanity's A Brush With Kindness program has completed 14 home repairs and we have several more planned for 2008.

The mission of ABWK  is to enhance and beautify neighborhoods in which Austin Habitat for Humanity builds homes by offering affordable exterior home improvements to qualifying non-Habitat, low-income homeowners.

Applicants must own and occupy their own homes, be unable to afford necessary home repairs and be unable to complete home repairs on their own.  Furthermore, applicants must earn 50 percent  or less of median income, be willing to pay a portion of project costs through a loan and must hold current homeowner insurance on the property.  Finally, applicants must be willing to partner with Austin Habitat for Humanity by providing accurate and timely information, be present and participate in the project, repay their loan and agree to occupy the home for at least five years following repair completion.

Potential projects include:  painting, caulking, fascia, grading, exterior doors, siding, gutter repairs, fence repairs, tree trimming, rain barrel with gutter and garden hose installation, landscaping, sidewalk and concrete repair, porch repair, wheelchair ramps, roofing, installation of gutters, splash blocks and solar screens, compact fluorescent bulbs, and recycling bins  

Project budgets are limited to $5,000 per home and are intended for exterior repairs only.

To apply to become part of a A Brush With Kindness project, participants must attend an ABWK Orientation (4th Saturday, monthly) and return the application by appointment.  

For additional program information, please contact Jo Ropiak, Family Selection Coordinator at 472-8788 x110.

Volunteers and Project Sponsors Also Needed!