Typical Homeowner Questions
Typical Volunteer Questions
Typical Homeowner Questions
What is the Mission of HomeFront?
Our Mission is to help qualified, low-income homeowners who are physically or financially challenged to maintain their residence by providing free home repairs through teams of volunteers. back to top
When is the next HomeFront day?
HomeFront Day is held the first Saturday in May annually. back to top
How long has HomeFront been around?
HomeFront has been assisting neighbors in need since 1988. back to top
What types of repairs does HomeFront provide?
The goal of AmeriCares HomeFront is to provide free home repairs for homes and community centers focusing on the neediest circumstances. Our program staff and volunteers work hand-in-hand with homeowners to provide those repairs that will be the most meaningful to them and have the greatest impact on their quality of life. Repairs may include carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, roofing, drywall, weatherproofing, window and door replacement, wheel chair ramps, installation of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, painting, cleaning, and yard work. back to top
Where does HomeFront operate?
Throughout the years, the Homefront program has operated in close to 150 communities in Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield and New Haven Counties in CT, and Westchester County in NY. We work wherever willing teams of volunteers exist within these Counties. back to top
What types of homes do you repair?
Each year thousands of volunteers provide free home repairs to single-family homes and community centers. Multi-family homes also may be eligible. The total annual income of the household is HomeFront’s primary guideline. Condominiums, co-ops and mobile homes are not eligible for this program. back to top
What are the income guidelines?
HomeFront considers homeowners with annual household incomes of $35,000 or less. back to top
What are the other key guidelines to qualify for assistance?
An applicant must own and live in the home, cannot own another property, must be up-to-date on taxes and must plan to remain in the home for at least 5 years after the free home repairs are provided. back to top
When does HomeFront accept applications?
Applications are accepted year-round. To be considered for assistance during the upcoming spring, requests must be received by November 30 of each year. back to top
How do you select homes?
HomeFront reviews nearly 500 applications each year. Applicants are considered on the basis of need, skills and number of teams available, and the funds required to support each project. back to top
What is the process once a homeowner applies?
Applications are received, recorded and reviewed. In the fall and winter months, homeowners are contacted to arrange an on-site interview. If there is any change in either homeowner status or contact information (i.e., phone number, mailing address) between the time application is made and the months of September and January, applicants should call the toll-free office number to let us know. back to top
How does HomeFront solicit applications?
Community organizations, particularly those serving the sick and seniors, social service agencies, faith-based and civic organizations and others within the community provide referrals. The media helps by providing publicity and public service announcements. Libraries and senior centers help by displaying brochures and posters. Family, friends and relatives provide word-of-mouth referrals, and homeowners also call our headquarters in Stamford directly. back to top
What is your local number?
In the Stamford telephone exchange, that would be 203.658.9500. back to top
What is your mailing address?
AmeriCares HomeFront, 88 Hamilton Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 back to top
Think you or someone you know qualifies? Want to apply? Call our toll-free number above or click here to download a Homeowner Application form.
Typical Volunteer Questions
Who can volunteer?
The primary way in which neighbors participate in HomeFront is by forming a group of volunteers, or a "team." Volunteers come from all walks of life in a true vertical slice of our neighborhoods. Home repair skills are helpful, but not essential. Youth are welcome too! Young adults, ages 14 - 17, can work with adult supervision according to a three-to-one adult-to-youth ratio.
Most volunteers are affiliated with a sponsoring organization.
To volunteer your individual services to a team that needs an extra pair of hands, email HomeFront or call our toll-free number, 1.800.887.4673 (HOPE). back to top
How are volunteer teams formed?
Community-minded corporations, businesses, faith-based groups and civic organizations who have an interest in helping deserving homeowners with essential repairs generally form teams once interest and leadership are identified. back to top
What is the typical size of a team?
There are team volunteer opportunities for 15 to 40 members, although some teams are larger. back to top
Is training provided?
Free training is provided for team leaders by the HomeFront staff. It consists of one, two-hour session, typically held each February in venues throughout our coverage area. The training covers best practices for a smooth HomeFront experience. back to top
What is the average cost of a project?
$11,000, only a portion of which is paid by the teams. back to top
Who pays for the home repairs?
The program relies on the generous contributions of businesses, faith-based, civic and educational groups, grant makers and individuals to cover costs, as well as donated product and services that help us to expand the assistance we’re able to provide to our neediest neighbors. These are free home repairs for the homeowner. back to top
Members of the building and remodeling trades usually begin their involvement through someone they know who already has worked in the program as part of a team. They may begin by helping with one aspect of a local home repair project, then end up in subsequent years leading a volunteer team. back to top
Specific information about forming a team or signing on as a pro is available by emailing HomeFront or calling our toll-free number 1.800.887.HOPE (4673).
