The mission of the Office of Neighborhood Services is to improve the quality of life for Columbia’s residents through fairly and swiftly enforcing city codes related to residential life and build a sense of community by offering valuable volunteer opportunities, providing resources for neighborhood leaders to solve issues independently and managing donations to support our community.

Emergency Repair Program

Do I qualify for the program?

Homeowners are eligible to apply for the repair program if:

• The household meets HUD income limits (see below)
• The property is located within the city limits of Columbia
• The owner lives in the home to be repaired
• The owner is not currently in bankruptcy proceedings
• The owner is current on their mortgage and real estate taxes

What kind of improvements can I do with this program?

Funds are to be used for emergency actions necessary to safeguard against “imminent danger to human life, health or safety.” If additional repairs to the home are required, upon request, you can be referred to the owner occupied housing rehabilitation program.

How does the program work?

Assistance will be provided to qualified homeowners on a “first come, first served” basis. Once you have completed and returned your application, Community Development Department staff will meet with you at your home, complete an inspection and make a determination on the work your home needs and if the work qualifies as an “emergency”. 

Homeowners will be required to request bid proposals from at least three contractors for the required repairs (City staff will assist you in this process upon request). Contractors must have a City of Columbia business license and must meet all local and state requirements, including, but not limited to, having a City business license, adequate liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, etc.

Once bids are received, your application is submitted to the Community Development Department director for review and approval.

How long does the process take?

Your application should be processed within two to three weeks.

How much can I borrow?

Assistance up to $500 will be provided as a grant.  Additional grant funds (maximum of $1,500) can be approved to assist in reducing lead based paint hazards.  A maximum of $4,500 in assistance over the grant amount can be provided as a loan.  All loans are deferred at 0% interest until title transfer or upon the leasing of the home, and are secured by a deed of trust.    Payments on the loan are not required, but can be made any time without prepayment penalty.

Maximum assistance is $5,000.  If cost for repairs exceeds this amount, the owner is respon-sible for securing additional funds prior to signing a contract.

Can I do the work myself?

No, you must enter into an agreement with a qualified contractor to complete the work on your home.

How do I obtain an application?

Click here to review the application form on this Web site. You can also download the fillable Microsoft Word document here. Applications are also available in the Community Development Department or can be mailed, upon request. Completed application must be submitted with required documents.

For more information about this program contact Community Development 701 E. Broadway (Daniel Boone Building) or
Telephone: (573)874-7239 (TTY: 1-800-MOR-ELAY)
Fax: (573)874-7546
E-mail: planning@gocolumbiamo.com.