Special Purpose Home Repair Program (SPHRP)
The Special Purpose Home Repair Program (SPHRP) is designed to assist DeKalb County seniors (aged 62 and over) and disabled adults (aged 21 and over) in repairing property conditions that threaten the subsistence of their homes or present threats to health or safety due to hazardous and/or unsanitary conditions. The DeKalb County Community Development Department administers the program and provides assistance to eligible applicants in the form of a deferred-payment, forgivable loan. The loan is forgiven if the applicant maintains the property as their primary residence for five years.
Who the Program Serves
- DeKalb County seniors (62+)
- Disabled adults (21+)
- Household income at or below 60% AMI (by HUD household size limits)
Type of Assistance
- Deferred-payment, forgivable loan (no installment payments)
- Up to $14,000 in eligible repairs
- May provide an additional $2,000 for accessibility items (e.g., grab bars, ADA toilets)
- 100% forgiven after 5 years if the home remains the primary residence
Homeowner Eligibility Requirements
- Homeowner must be at least 62 years of age, or legally disabled and 21 years of age or older.
- Property must be the homeowner’s principal place of residence.
- Homeowner must be listed on title currently and have been listed for the most recent 12 months.
- Homeowner must hold clear title to the property.
- Homeowner must not hold title to or have financed more than one (1) residential property.
- Homeowner must not be under bankruptcy protection at the time of application.
- Federal and State income taxes must be current.
- Total household income must be at or below 60% of AMI (HUD), based on household size.
2025 HUD Income Limits (60% AMI)
| Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Income (60% AMI) | $48,000 | $54,840 | $61,680 | $68,520 | $74,040 | $79,500 | $85,020 | $90,480 |
Income limits are based on HUD guidelines and household size.
Property Eligibility Requirements
- Property must be located within DeKalb County, Georgia jurisdiction. Properties within incorporated City of Atlanta areas inside DeKalb County boundaries are not eligible.
- Must be a single-family detached home. Townhomes, duplexes, condominiums, cooperatives, and mobile homes are not eligible.
- Property condition must be able to pass the legally required building permit process.
- Real estate taxes must be current.
- Total for all property liens cannot exceed $5,000.
- Requested repairs must not be part of an existing homeowner’s insurance claim or other repair/rehabilitation project.
- Properties that previously received repair or rehabilitation funding from the DeKalb County Community Development Department are ineligible.
Eligible Repairs
Heating / Cooling
Failure of the main source of heating/cooling (e.g., heat pump, HVAC unit).
Plumbing
Plumbing leaks or failure of water supply components (e.g., waterlines, water pumps, hot water heaters).
Electrical
Damaged or non-working electrical system or wiring (e.g., breaker/fuse boxes and basic wiring).
Roofing
Roof replacement or failure of roofing components.
How to Apply
Step 1: Obtain a Special Purpose Home Repair Pre-Application Card at a DeKalb County Public Library or online.
Step 2: Submit the completed pre-application on or before 3:00 PM on February 27, 2026. Incomplete pre-applications will not be reviewed.
Step 3: DeKalb County will randomly select 150 pre-applications for review. Eligible applicants will be contacted to complete a formal application for final eligibility determination.
Submission Options
Online
Pre-applications may be obtained and submitted online.
Mail / Drop Box
Pre-applications may be mailed or placed in the drop box located in our building lobby:
DeKalb County Community Development Department
178 Sams Street, Suite A-3500
Decatur, GA 30030
Contact
Need help or have questions?
Phone: 404-371-2727
Email: sphr@dekalbcountyga.gov
1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA 30030
404-371-2000