What is CHiRP?
Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity's Critical Home Repair Program (CHiRP) helps people safely stay safely housed by tackling issues like mold, radon, lead paint, faulty heating and air conditioning, poor weatherstripping, leaky pipes and roofs, poor ventilation, broken windows, and more. CHiRP projects also help people with impaired mobility by repairing or replacing damaged, uneven, and slippery walking surfaces. and installing ramps, railings, grab bars, and accessible bathrooms.
Did you know that one in 10 Utah households spends more than 50% of their income on housing, and families must often choose between home repairs or putting food on the table? Neglected repairs can lead to disease, life safety issues, homelessness, and even death. 60% of our clients are seniors and people with disabilities who are typically on a limited fixed income.
Innovations in Health Care
Housing is healthcare. Safe housing is a basic social determinant of health (a non-medical factor contributing to poor health). Did you know that one in five falls causes a serious injury, moisture problems are linked with childhood asthma, and neglected homes can become condemned, leading to otherwise preventable homelessness? Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity is leading the way by partnering with healthcare providers to track the long-term health benefits of critical home repairs.
“I wish I could write a prescription for a healthy home.”
- A Salt Lake City Pediatrician
CHiRP can address many needs
Repair or replace leaking roof.
Replace broken and missing windows.
Repair leaking faucets and plumbing.
Remove mold.
Replace broken and missing smoke detectors.
Replace damaged, torn, missing, or rolling flooring.
Install a ramp and accessibility upgrades.
Replace broken light switches and outlets.
Repair or replace broken water heater, furnace, A/C.
Replace swamp cooler with central air.
Click to see if you qualify for CHiRP!
How CHiRP Works
There is no upfront cost to the homeowner. Families must qualify based on income. A grant of up to $5,000 may be awarded, and the remainder of the repair cost is provided as a 0% to 3% loan or deferred title lien, based on eligibility. CHiRP is not an emergency repair program, as projects take several months, depending on the scope of work.
Sweat Equity and Building Community
Healthy homes = healthy people and vibrant communities. CHiRP clients invest sweat equity to the extent possible. Many like to paint or do cleanup. We also find that neighbors like to get involved, building community and instilling pride in the neighborhood.