Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa is excited to partner with Strengthen Alabama Homes to offer residents of Tuscaloosa, Pickens, Hale, and Greene Counties the opportunity to apply for a new FORTIFIED Roof™.

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What is the FORTIFIED Roof™ Program?

Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa has partnered with Strengthen Alabama Homes to provide wind mitigation on existing, owner-occupied, single family homes in our service area. Funding for this program comes from the insurance industry. The work completed on your home will meet the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard. For more information about FORTIFIED roofs, visit www.fortifiedhome.org.

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What are the benefits of having a FORTIFIED Roof™?

A home with a FORTIFIED Roof™ designation may help you receive a discount on the wind portion of your homeowner’s insurance. A recent study by The University of Alabama shows that homes with a FORTIFIED Roof™ sell for approximately 7% more than homes with a non-FORTIFIED roof.

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AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THE $10,000 GRANT?

Please read through the following requirements before requesting an application.

 

Location

• Home must be located in Greene, Hale, Pickens or Tuscaloosa County

 

Structure

• Home must have a permanent foundation (mobile and manufactured homes are NOT eligible)

• Town homes, duplexes and condos are also NOT eligible

• Home must be structurally sound and in good condition

  • Habitat for Humanity is unable to complete other repairs, including repairs to fascia, soffit, and siding. You will need to find someone else to complete other repairs to your home

Ownership

• Applicant's name must be on the deed to the home

  • You will need a copy of the deed (available at the court house or online for a small fee)

  • You can have a mortgage owed on the property, as long as your name is on the deed

• You must currently live in the home and it must be your primary residence

 

Insurance (Required)

• Home must be covered by a current homeowner’s insurance policy with wind coverage

• If your home is located in a flood zone, proof of flood insurance is required

• If you have an open or recent homeowner’s insurance claim - 

  • Habitat will need more information to determine if you are eligible for the grant

  • You cannot receive an insurance settlement for roof damage and grant funds to replace your roof

  • You can, however, pursue both options and then pick the option that is best for you

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Income

• Gross HOUSEHOLD income (before taxes and other deductions) cannot exceed the program maximum (see Fall 2023 chart)

• You will be required to submit documentation of all HOUSEHOLD income (Tax Returns ,if required to file, paystubs and/or benefit letters for Social Security, Retirement, Pension, VA Benefits, etc.)

 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Habitat does not charge an application fee. If you are approved and decide to accept the grant you will be asked to pay the following before work begins:

• $300 for outside inspections to certify your new roof meets the FORTIFIED standard

• Any cost to replace your roof that exceeds the $10,000 grant

  • Generally, Habitat gets three bids from qualified contractors and chooses the lowest bid

  • The size and condition of your current roof affect how much it will cost. If your home is large, has several hips and valleys, has a steep pitch or needs decking replaced it may cost more than the grant amount

  • Habitat for Humanity does NOT offer financing of the overage. However, we have a partnership with a local credit union that may be able to offer you a low-interest loan to cover the overage

  • If you cannot pay the $300 fee plus the overage, you can decline to move forward and request your application be withdrawn

 

HOW DO I APPLY?

• Click the button below to request the application packet 

• Complete ALL forms and have the required sections notarized

• Mail your completed applications and ALL of the required documents to Habitat for Humanity at the address listed in the packet

• Be patient! It does take several months to process your application, complete inspections, request quotes, and get final approval from the state

• Please note, approval is contingent on available funding, acceptable home inspection, etc.