Through the Home Rehabilitation program, the Division of Planning and Development’s Department of Housing (SCDH) manages to fulfill some residents’ seemingly simple desire: to live comfortably and safely in their home. 

Over the program’s near 30-year existence, the Department of Housing has conducted thousands of home assessments and home rehabilitations. This program—aimed at stabilizing the housing stock in neighborhoods and communities in Shelby County outside the City of Memphis (also known as the urban county)—has had a positive impact on many senior residents by allowing them to “age in place” in their own homes. 

What can seem like simple repairs and maintenance can quickly become overwhelming for seniors and families with limited income and savings. “This type of work is a huge need in our community,” says Dr. Dana Sjostrom, Planning and Program Manager for SCDH. “This program tackles residents’ built environment and, in turn, positively affects residents’ overall health.”  

Federal grants have made this program possible, allowing for locally hired contractors to address code violations and health and safety measures in the home.  This can involve components such as replacing windows; replacing or repairing HVAC systems; creating and installing ADA compliant accessibility and mobility adjustments, such as walk-in tubs and wheelchair ramps; and even handle lead hazard reduction for homes built before 1978. 

Any time residents and their families spend waiting—whether it is for a decision regarding their application or for the start of their home rehabilitation—is time spent in a home that is potentially unsafe or markedly difficult to live in. With this urgency in mind,  SCDH staff have improved application intake processes to more effectively help residents who qualify for the program. 

The program application process was completely analog up until 2019, when staff began using an online application portal to more efficiently accept and review applications. Going digital even allowed for a longer application window, giving more applicants the opportunity to submit. Instead of ordering qualified applicants based on their date of application submission, SCDH staff changed to a needs-based intake process, giving more weight to applicants who demonstrated a higher level of need for the program’s services. To meet the needs of all applicants, staff still provide in-office application assistance as needed. 

Shifting to an online application process also benefited contractors who submit their bids on the program’s projects. The online application platform for contractors makes for a smoother business process with SCDH staff. Adopting digital pathways has benefited staff, resident applicants, and contractors alike. 

The contractors working with the program are generally small, locally owned businesses, and many have had a longstanding relationship with the program. One program applicant, after the completion of her home’s rehabilitation, noted, “The contractors did an excellent job and worked diligently to get the job done quickly.” With SCDH staff and contractors demonstrating the core mission of the program, residents and their families can see the incredible value and genuine care in the professional interactions and in the physical change of their homes. 

Why This Matters

After homes have been rehabilitated, SCDH staff have measured a significant decrease in energy costs for residents compared to pre-rehabilitation. Not only do residents gain the comfort of living in a code compliant, safe home but they also get to benefit from the financial gain of an energy efficient home. And with the home remaining livable for current residents, generations to come will benefit from the home’s use within the family. 

Even when residents do not qualify for the program, all hope is not lost. SCDH staff are aware of other community programs and resources through partner nonprofit and government agencies offering similar assistance and solutions. They often share referrals between one another in the constant loop of finding who and what can directly assist residents. 

Being able to live in your home for as long as possible may seem like a simplistic wish, but the Shelby County Department of Housing is making residents’ wishes come true. 

To learn more about program eligibility, view Housing Programs. To learn about becoming a registered vendor for Shelby County and bidding on contractor opportunities, view Contracting Opportunities.

For any other information about the Shelby County Department of Housing, call their office at (901) 222-7600.