A Brush With Kindness

Homeowner Eligibility - Review Carefully

  • Complete the Eligibility Form and Return (fax: 757-640-0595 or email: abwk@shrhabitat.org or mail: Habitat SHR, ABWK, 900 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, VA 23504). You may use the eligibilty form as a guideline to see if you qualify. If you're unsure please fax or submit and we'll review and contact you. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ELIGIBILITY FORM
  • If you feel you qualify after completely reviewing please submit the application. Click here to download the APPLICATION.
  • Homes must be owner-occupied
  • Scope of work must match program resources (*see table below)
  • All able-bodied homeowners and residents of the home are required to work alongside volunteers
  • Homeowners are expected to be cooperative partners with staff and volunteers
  • The family must be unable to perform the repairs themselves
  • The family must be unable to afford to pay someone to do the repairs
  • The total household income must fall below the levels listed in this chart:
    • Household Members 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
    Maximum Income** $24,850 $28,400 $31,950 $34,450 $38,300 $41,150 $44,000 $46,800
    ** Income guidelines and estimated mortgage payments are subject to change. (Valid as of Oct. 2011)

"A Brush With Kindness" (ABWK) is a unique program that allows churches, businesses and community groups the opportunity to volunteer and financially support short-term home repair projects for low-income and elderly homeowners, while providing an opportunity to make a lasting impact in the community. The concept of the program is to connect the right people (those in need and those who can help) and rejuvenate homes with...you got it...a brush with kindness.

Volunteers assist with minor home repairs, painting and wheelchair ramps. Each homeowner seeking assistance is required to submit an application. Many of the projects will focus on senior citizens, disabled individuals, and single-parent families.

*Suggestions of our Scope of Repairs:

Carpentry Repairs Facade Repair Painting Yard Work
Hand and Porch Rails Repair Gutter Porches Remove shrubs & debris
Doors Pressure Wash Decks Grass Cutting
Windows Door Fences Weed-eating
Repair/Install Locks Cover/Overhang Home Exterior Rake/Blow Leaves
Patch Wood Fences Replace Bricks Weed Flower Beds, Plant Flowers  
  Seal Cracks    
  Replace Light    
  Fixture    

ABWK is another way for Habitat SHR to have an impact on more families in need in our community.

The main difference in ABWK project and a regular Habitat build is they generally only last a few days. Low income homeowners who would like to enlist the help of A Brush With Kindness can submit an eligibility form. After the form is received, it is reviewed to verify the need and applicant meets the criteria.

If you are part of a group that can donate time for a few days, or financial and material resources, please select "A Brush With Kindness" on our secure Contact Form.