The Home Enhancement Program (HEP) is dedicated to assisting income-qualified homeowners in addressing exterior issues of their homes. Things such as minor roofing repairs, broken or missing windows, exterior paint, and more. This grant program aims to eliminate health and safety hazards, enhance energy efficiency, and support other eligible exterior improvements.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the HEP grant, homeowners must meet the following criteria:
- Income: Total household income must not exceed 80% of the Median Household Income for Riverside County, based on household size.
- Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $35 per household is required to process the application.
- Homeownership: The applicant must be the owner-occupant of the property.
- Location: The property must be situated within an unincorporated area or a cooperating city in the county.
- Property Type: The dwelling must be a stick-built or modular, single-family residence on private property.
- Citizenship: The owner on the title must be a U.S. Citizen or Qualified Alien as per Section 431 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act (PRWORA).
Eligible Home Enhancement Improvements
The Home Enhancement Grant Program covers various exterior improvements, including but not limited to:
- Roofing
- Flashing
- Gutters and downspouts
- Doors and weatherization
- Wall repairs (siding or stucco)
- Windows and screens
- Exterior painting
- Light fixtures
- Fencing
- Step repairs
- Fascia boards
- Energy-efficient upgrades (e.g., double-paned windows)
- Locks and doors
- Damaged fencing repairs or replacements
- Exterior lighting
- Removal of aging, dangerous trees and hedges (subject to replacement with water-smart landscaping upon project completion)
The specific scope of work will be determined during an on-site inspection. In addition, eligibility will be assessed during the review process.
Ineligible Improvements
The program does not cover interior repairs or improvements, plumbing, or landscaping.
Eligible Locations
District 1
- Wildomar
- Unincorporated communities: De Luz, Good Hope, Highgrove, La Cresta, March Air Reserve Base, Mead Valley, Meadowbrook, Tenaja
District 2
- Eastvale
- Norco
- Lake Elsinore – Metro City
- Canyon Lake
- Unincorporated communities: Coronita, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Home Gardens, Lake Mathews, Lakeland Village, Temescal Valley, Warm Springs, Woodcrest
District 3
- Murrieta
- Unincorporated communities: Aguanga, Anza Valley, East Hemet, French Valley, Green Acres, Homeland, Lake Riverside, Sage, Winchester, parts of Valle Vista
District 4
- Blythe
- Coachella
- Desert Hot Springs
- Rancho Mirage
- La Quinta
- Unincorporated communities: Bermuda Dunes, Chiriaco Summit, Colorado River communities, Desert Center, Desert Edge, Eagle Mountain, Idyllwild, Indio Hills, Lake Tamarisk, Mecca, Mesa Verde, Mountain Center, North Shore, Oasis, Pine Cove, Ripley, Sky Valley, Sun City, Thermal, Thousand Palms, Vista Santa Rosa
District 5
- Banning
- Beaumont
- Calimesa
- San Jacinto
- Unincorporated communities: Cabazon, Cherry Valley, Lakeview, Nuevo, Reche Canyon, San Timoteo Canyon, parts of Valle Vista, Whitewater
How to Apply
To apply, follow these steps:
- Download the Eligibility Self-Check Checklist here and submit it to the HWS Home Enhancement staff for pre-screening.
- Application Review: A Home Enhancement member will review the pre-application and contact you with the status and next steps.
- Confirm Eligibility: Eligible homeowners may receive a grant of up to $50,000 for exterior repairs. Ensure that your household income does not exceed the limits below:
| Household Size | HOME FTHB 80% AMI |
|---|---|
| 1 | $52,200 |
| 2 | $59,650 |
| 3 | $67,100 |
| 4 | $74,550 |
| 5 | $80,550 |
| 6 | $86,500 |
| 7 | $92,450 |
| 8 | $98,450 |
- Confirm Property Eligibility: Ensure your home meets the criteria outlined, including being an owner-occupied single-family residence, among other requirements.
Contact Information
For more information or assistance, please contact:
- Grace Escobar (4th and 5th Supervisorial District)
Phone: (760) 863-2586 - Miguel Quijada (2nd and 5th Supervisorial District)
Phone: (951) 955-0358
Email: RivcoHEP@rivco.org
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your home and improve its safety and efficiency. Apply today!
HEP Documents
Forms:
