Get Repairs to Your Home
We are motivated by Christ’s compassion. We believe God created every person and they have inherent worth no matter what their circumstances or past. ARM partners with our neighbors who qualify to receive critical repairs to restore their homes to warm, safe, and dry. Most of the work is completed by volunteers with a heart to serve our neighbors. Volunteers called “missioners” come from churches, service organizations, and businesses. They come with a heart to serve, to learn about their neighbor, and help restore hope and dignity while repairing homes.
Below lists the priorities ARM uses to start repairs:
Homeowners must meet the following guidelines for ARM to partner with you in helping you repair your home:
Furthermore, there is no guarantee that by contacting ARM, we can repair your home. ARM does not have a “first come, first served” process. ARM will review the types of repairs needed and prioritize by need and the critical nature of the repair. For example, a leaking roof may take priority over a set of steps or weatherization.
We do not prioritize based on influence within our organization, staff, or board. We also don’t prioritize based on recommendations or requests from others, nor do we operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Instead, ARM is committed to serving the people with the greatest level of need. Once we receive an application, we evaluate repair needs based on the following:
1. Demographics and Geography:
Must reside in Macon or Lee Counties or live in these communities: Waverly area in Chambers County, Camp Hill in Tallapoosa, and Hurtsboro in Russell County. Families requesting assistance who do not live in these communities will be given other resources.
Are there children living in the home? Are there individuals with disabilities? Are there seniors present (age 60 and older)? How does the total household income compare to the area median income (AMI)?
No illegal drug use or drug activity in the home.
2. Funding Availability and Level of Repairs Needed
ARM has limited funding and much of our funding has specific rules that must be met. These rules include income, types of repairs needed, and where a home is located (both county and municipality).
The necessary repairs must fall within the repairs ARM can provide and within the funding we can use. This is determined on a case-by-case basis. Most repairs are prioritized as warm, safe, and dry.
3. Homeowner Engagement
Because this is a partnership, the homeowner must also take an active role while repairs are being completed and serve as kind and engaged hosts to the mission groups.
This includes participating in training that can improve the homeowner’s ability to maintain the home after repairs are completed and the homeowner’s (or relatives’ or friends’) willingness to help with the repairs at the home. While missioners are serving, the homeowner is asked to learn about and talk with the volunteers, help with the repairs as they can, and provide small acts of kindness such as snacks and drinks. Forming a community is an important part of the restoration and repair process for all.
- Homeowners must also agree to complete three trainings before or during the repair process:
- Homeowner Financial Education (4 Hours)
- Homeowner Maintenance Workshop (4-6 hours)
- Disaster Preparation Plan (4 Hours)
- Participation in volunteer and community meals while repairs are being made (2-4 Hours)
ARM is faith-based and a Christian ministry. While we do not require church membership or a particular belief in God, missioners will begin and end their days in prayer. They will invite homeowners into conversations about faith and God during lunch. Homeowners are free to not accept these invitations and faith is not a requirement for ARM to serve with you.
4. Volunteer (Missioner) Availability
There are a limited number of volunteer “missioners” serving with ARM to make home repairs. As we have more volunteers, we can serve more people. Learn more about how you can help us serve more people!”
Initial Criteria:
- Provide proof of home ownership, income, and residence
- Priority is given to senior citizens and the widowed
- Priority is given to those with a disability or chronic illness
- Priority is given to single veterans
- ARM will review the ability of a home owner to qualify for funding
Occasionally, a subcontractor may be used for more specialized repairs such as plumbing, electrical, or heating and air systems.
ARM cannot provide emergency repairs. Unfortunately, the process to qualify for repairs can take time therefore, emergency repairs such as from fires, a need for a handicap ramp because of an accident, or a busted water pipe are not in ARM’s scope. We will help a homeowner find assistance as much as possible.