A Brush With Kindness (ABWK)

A Brush With Kindness (ABWK) is a home repair ministry program offered through Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity that provides basic interior and exterior home repair services for low to moderate-income homeowners who reside within the Gwinnett and Walton Counties service area. ABWK assists homeowners who are unable to complete repairs on their own due to age, finances, or physical ability.

Important Notice: The A Brush With Kindness selection cycle has ended. Complete an interest form to stay informed about when the next selection cycle will begin. Thank you for your interest!

ABWK Interest Form

Home Repair Services Offered

Home Preservation

Exterior services that help preserve the home that are eligible through this program include:

Power wash exterior siding of home
Minor repairs to siding, fascia, and soffit
Scrape and paint exterior of home
Gutter cleaning
Landscaping

Aging in Place Modifications

Include services to modify homes for people 60 and over that will increase their activities of daily living so that they can remain in their homes and live safely and securely as they age. Modifications can be for current or anticipated future needs of the older adults living the home. Modifications could include:

Wheelchair Ramps
Step Repair
Handrails/Railings/Grab bars
Tub Cut Outs
Handheld Shower Head Extension
ADA Compliant Toilets
Changing turn style door and faucet handles to level style handles

Critical Home Repair

Includes all interior work and extensive exterior work performed to address health and safety issues or code violations to ensure a safe and healthy living environment that encourages continued ownership. Eligible projects must demonstrate one of these basic health or safety needs:

Fire Safety - installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Home Safety - repair/replacement of non-functional doors, locks, windows, and security doors; improved exterior lighting; repair/replacement of gates, porches, steps, and walkways that are non-functional and prevent egress in event of emergency
Minor Electrical - light fixtures, outlets, and switches

Ineligible Repair Services

The Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity ABWK Home Repair Program is meant to meet a need of Gwinnett residents’ homes by keeping the homes safe, dry, accessible, and code/HOA compliant. ineligible activities include cosmetic or luxury improvements on the property, repairs to outbuildings, or garages unless connected to the property (and a source of code or safety concern), and improvements/installation of porches/decks that do not affect safe egress.

Cosmetic improvements include but are not limited to: ongoing-landscaping work, tree removal, additions, fireplaces, pools, hot tubs, kitchen/bath cabinetry, and driveway or sidewalk repair/replacement (except in cases where it is deemed necessary for Aging In Place
safety).

Additionally, due to safety concerns for our volunteers, no repair work will be performed on homes where work will require volunteers or staff to go higher than two stories in the air.

How Do I Apply?

Eligibility:

Own Your Home

Applicants must own the home services are needed for and home must be applicant’s primary residence.

Complete Application

ABWK Application must be filled out in entirety and provide proof of income and proof of homeownership.

Demonstrate Financial Need

Household income cannot exceed 60% of Area Median Income (AMI) annually.

Verification Items Required:

Last 3 pay stubs or other proof of income for each adult who lives in house, unless they are a full-time student
Most recent tax statement
Proof of child support and/or public assistance if you receive them
Proof of homeownership (abstract, deed of trust of most recent property tax statement)
Proof of homeowner insurance or letter/quote of intent to acquire insurance