Springfield, Missouri

Home improvement before and after

Housing is foundational to the success, strength and stability of each of us. Habitat for Humanity partners with families to build and fortify this foundation in a number of ways. One of these is the rehabilitation and preservation of existing homes.

Browse the projects below to see home repairs that have not only elevated the houses themselves — but also the families within and the communities around them.

Start your own before and after journey! To find out if there is a repair program in your community that you can apply or contribute to, reach out to your local Habitat for Humanity.

 

1. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Habitat believes everyone deserves a decent place to live. To accomplish this, Habitat Kent works side by side with Grand Rapids-area homeowners to make the critical repairs necessary to keep them safe and stable in their homes.

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After

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2. Newburgh, New York

In historic Newburgh, New York, where vacant, substandard buildings are abundant, Habitat Greater Newburgh focuses largely on gut renovations. The effort brings new life to the neighborhood while also offering new beginnings for families.

Before

A brick three-story building with signs of wear and disrepair.

After

The same three-story building with new paint and improvements.

3. Tampa, Florida

Each repair project overseen by Habitat Hillsborough County in Florida provides an opportunity for Tampa residents to make a lasting impact on their hometown and each other. “Our home preservation program brings people together to accomplish something special — creating and enhancing relationships among neighbors,” says Jeremy Cooke, Habitat Hillsborough County’s home preservation program manager.

Before

Ranch home with peeling paint and exposed wood.

After

Same ranch with new paint and fixed up.

4. Tucson, Arizona

Most older adults want to stay in their homes as they age, but often lack the ability or resources to keep up their homes’ needs in order to do so. Through maintenance support and critical repairs — like replacing deteriorating porch boards that pose a fall hazard — Habitat Tucson helps homeowners safely age in place where they are.  

Before

Front porch with missing boards and peeling paint.

After

Repaired porch with fresh paint.

5. Roanoke, Virginia

In addition to new construction, Habitat Roanoke Valley’s efforts also consist of buying vacant and incomplete houses and fixing them up — helping complete both the house and the community.

Before

Condemned two-story home with missing siding.

After

The same two-story house looking brand new with porch and welcome home banner.

6. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Central Oklahoma Habitat’s critical home repair program — which ranges from painting to plumbing repair, weather-stripping to window replacement — was created to help homeowners restore their sense of security while also restoring pride in their home.

Before

Ranch home with missing and deteriorating siding.

After

The same ranch home with all new siding and fresh grey paint.

7. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Through volunteer labor and donated materials, Habitat Milwaukee’s critical home repair program allows homeowners to afford much-needed renovations in any room. Bathrooms are a specific focus as they’re prone to water damage, mold growth and slip hazards that threaten both the short- and long-term health of residents.

Before

Bathroom with flooring, tile, and sink cabinet visibly falling apart.

After

Clean bathroom with new tile, flooring, shower and cabinet.

8. Roanoke, Virginia

Home by home, Habitat Roanoke Valley’s renovation program is revitalizing neighborhoods while increasing opportunities for affordable homeownership. Studies show that homeowners are more likely to be invested and active in their neighborhood — further contributing to the cycle of engagement that creates a thriving community.

Before

Grey house with dilapidated siding and roof.

After

House with new roof, new siding, and fresh yellow paint with family of four in front.

9. Omaha, Nebraska

With more than 18 million households across the U.S. already paying more than half their paychecks to keep a roof over their heads, there is often little left in the budget to cover repairs or replacements when those roofs fail. Habitat Omaha’s affordable home repair program offers residents the resources they need to remain safe, dry and warm.

Before

One-story house with tarp over half of it and graffiti

After

Same one-story house with new roof and fresh paint.

10. Charlotte, North Carolina

Kitchens should be a place of warmth and of fellowship. An updated, functioning kitchen can revitalize an entire home. “The hope of Habitat is not only in building new, but also in preserving old,” says Charles Monroe, critical home repair manager for Habitat Charlotte Region. “It feels good to know that you can bring a house back to be a place of refuge.”

Before

Dilapidated kitchen with rotting flooring and missing appliances.

After

Fresh white kitchen with new flooring, cabinetry and appliances.

11. Newburgh, New York

By concentrating their rehab efforts on specific “anchor blocks” within neighborhoods, Habitat Greater Newburgh aims to build a sense of community spirit with each build. Each transformation helps create a highly visible example that results in an improved neighborhood for all.

Before

A block of attached townhomes that are in visible disrepair.

After

Block of townhomes rebuilt with brick and porches looking brand new.

12. Tampa, Florida

Starting from the studs, Habitat Hillsborough County builds back vacant and deteriorating houses to ensure they’re safe and sturdy for the long haul. Each home saved helps another Florida family and keep materials out of the landfill.   

Before

A room that's been gutted down to framing and concrete floors.

After

The same room after adding drywall, paint and new flooring.

13. Los Angeles, California

Preserving homeownership for long-term residents can be just as critical as creating new homeownership opportunities when combating the nationwide housing crisis. With soaring property costs across the metro area, Habitat Greater Los Angeles helps families stay in their homes by repairing current issues and connecting them with tools and support to prevent new ones.

Before

Ranch home with damaged roof, rotting siding and peeling paint.

After

The same ranch home with new roof, new siding and fresh blue paint.

14. New Orleans

In New Orleans, it’s not uncommon among low-income households for multiple generations of extended family to share a residence. As their homes age, the risks can affect each family member differently — from contributing to poor health among elderly residents to developmental delays among younger ones, says Russell Preston, home repair manager with New Orleans Habitat. Through their repair program, New Orleans Habitat works with families to ensure their home is safe for every stage of life. “Habitat repairs have the potential to deliver a more stable, healthy and livable home environment for everyone occupying the home,” says Preston.

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