Keeping homes safe and livable
A safe, well-maintained home is the foundation of a healthy life — but for many families, the cost of essential home repairs is out of reach.
In partnership with local Habitats, our Critical Repairs program helps to maintain safe, livable housing by addressing urgent health and safety issues.
More than homeowners: A community-wide solution
Maintaining and repairing homes is a key part of tackling Canada’s affordable housing crisis. That’s why our Critical Repairs program supports not just individual homeowners, but also communities. Here’s who we help:
- Homeowners who live on a low income and cannot afford essential repairs, or need modifications for accessibility and require urgent fixes. This includes homeowners who are seniors who want the option to age in place when their homes are maintained as safe and livable spaces.
- Municipalities looking to preserve housing stock and make more homes available can partner with us to ensure existing units remain safe and habitable.
- Indigenous communities that want to support local housing needs by making home repairs through a partnership approach with Habitat.
What critical repairs can we help with?
Not all home repairs are the same. Our focus is on those that directly affect safety, health, and livability. To qualify as a critical repair, the work must:
- be essential for maintaining a legal, safe, and livable home
- resolve at least one health and safety-related deficiency identified as critical by the local Habitat
Examples of critical repairs may include:
- accessibility modifications such as grab bars, railings, and ramps
- electrical and ventilation repairs
- fire prevention measures, including installing smoke alarms and replacing worn switches and receptacles
- plumbing repairs to prevent leaks or water damage
- replacement of windows and doors with high-efficiency models
- structural safety improvements to prevent hazards
- urgent roof repairs to protect against leaks and structural deterioration
High-quality work you can trust
Work completed through the Critical Repairs program is carried out by licensed professionals and skilled tradespeople who have a heart for helping people. Their expertise ensures repairs are done right the first time, giving homeowners and communities peace of mind.
We also welcome volunteer participation in this program. Volunteers support repair projects alongside experienced tradespeople and make a meaningful impact in their community.
The Critical Repairs program is operated by local Habitats, and is expanding to reach more communities.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, contact your local Habitat to learn more.
More than 1 in 14 households need repairs for major deficiencies — from faulty electrical wiring and plumbing issues to damaged roofs and accessibility challenges. Without intervention, these homes could become uninhabitable, pushing more families into precarious housing situations.
For David, a senior living with multiple sclerosis in Sarnia, Ont., getting in and out of his home was a daily struggle. Habitat built ramps to improve his mobility, giving him freedom of movement so he can safely age in place.