A Brush with Kindness

Through the A Brush with Kindness initiative, Habitat for Humanity also serves those that already live in and own their own home and are struggling to maintain it. A Brush with Kindness is a service to low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners who are struggling to maintain their homes.

What Work Can Habitat for Humanity Lakeside Do?

A Brush with Kindness focuses primarily on repairs and/or rehab projects that will improve the quality of life for the residents and provide a decent home to live in. We offer volunteer labor at no cost and will use donated items where possible for the repairs. However, this service is a hand up, not a hand-out, the homeowners are generally responsible for the cost of materials.

Our Focus
A Brush with Kindness’ focus will be on home repair services such as:

• painting
• minor exterior repairs
• landscaping
• exterior clean-up
• constructing wheel chair ramps
• minor interior work

A Brush with Kindness enables local Habitat affiliates to offer a wider variety of construction solutions using the Habitat Model. The result is a holistic approach that revitalizes the appearance of a neighborhood, encourages connections within the community, and, most importantly, helps preserve affordable housing. Families earning up to 60% of Sheboygan County’s median income may be eligible. (see chart)

Am I Eligible?

A Brush with Kindness partners with low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners based on need and the scope of the work. In addition to the general criteria outlined here for all Habitat for Humanity Lakeside projects, those wishing to apply for a new Habitat Home should fit the following criteria.

• For most projects, applicant must currently own and occupy the home that needs the work for at least two (2) years.
• Home must be in Sheboygan County and applicant must meet the income guidelines outlined below.
• Must be unable to afford necessary home improvements and unable to complete them due to age, disability, or circumstance.
• If necessary, applicant will agree to pay back a no-interest loan for the work done on their home.
• Applicant must be able to pay a 0% interest loan with affordable monthly payments. Payments will be based on applicant’s income and agreed upon at signing of contract.
• The applicant must be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity Lakeside
• The applicant must complete the specified amount of hours of “sweat equity”. A typical day-long project will require the homeowner to complete eight (8) hours of sweat equity.

Sheboygan County Income Guidelines

Use the chart below to determine if you meet the income guidelines. Your family’s annual gross (before taxes) income must be below the maximum income shown in the chart below. For example, if your family is comprised of four people (including yourself), and you make under $42,400 before taxes each year, you would meet the income guidelines. For Ozaukee County income guidelines please visit their site.

How to Apply

If you feel you meet the criteria outlined above, we encourage you to Apply for the Brush with Kindness program, please fill out an application here.