As part of an ongoing effort to preserve and enhance its residential neighborhoods, the City of Fountain Valley offers financial assistance to qualified low income homeowners for home repairs and improvements. The City of Fountain Valley Home Improvement Program's grants, rebates, and loans, are funded through a grant received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

The Home Improvement Program staff "made time to answer any questions we had, explained everything thoroughly, and got back to us right away. So grateful to the program for helping low-income seniors. Having this program is helping my health, feeling less stressed and more comfortable. The roof, shower, and kitchen turned out beautifully." - Peter 2025

Available Programs and Types of Assistance

The City of Fountain Valley Home Improvement Program provides several types of financial assistance to qualified low income homeowners. All homes must be owner occupied and in need of repair.  Qualified households of single-family residences up to four units may receive assistance under a maximum of 2 of the city's home improvement programs. Households that qualify for participation in multiple programs may choose to use both sources of assistance simultaneously or on separate occasions. The Homeowner's Guide to the program (PDF) explains the entire Home Improvement Program process.

Single-Family Home Grant Program  

Grant of up to $20,000 for eligible repairs. The homeowner is not required to pay back any portion of the financial assistance received under this program. Participants may utilize the grant program once within a 10 year period.

Single-Family Home Rebate Program  

Rebate of up to $7,500 for reimbursement of expenses incurred in completing approved repairs/improvements. Rebate amounts are calculated at 50% of the total cost of improvements and are disbursed after the homeowner has paid for the initial cost of the repairs/improvements. Participants may utilize the Rebate Program once within any 7 year period.

Single-Family Home Deferred Loan Program

Loan up to $50,000 for eligible repairs. Loan accrues simple annual interest at a rate of 3%. Qualified homeowners to receive a twenty-five (25) year loan with no required monthly payments. Full repayment of the loan and accrued interest is due at sale, transfer, or when no longer owner occupied.

Mobile Home Grant Program  

Grant of up $15,000 for eligible repairs or up to $20,000 if roof replacement is necessary. The homeowner is not required to pay back any portion of the financial assistance received under this program. Participants may utilize the grant program once within a 10 year period.

Mobile Home Rebate Program  

Rebate of up to $5,000 for reimbursement of expenses incurred in completing approved repairs/improvements as part of the Home Improvement Program. Rebate amount is calculated at 50% of the total cost of improvements and is disbursed after the homeowner has paid for the initial cost of the repairs/improvements. Repeat assistance is allowed for rebates once every 7 years.

Eligible repairs include:

• Pest treatment and wood damage repair
• Roof repair or replacement  
• Abatement of code violations
• Plastering, siding, and stucco
• Interior and exterior painting
• Heating and electrical systems
• Plumbing
• Accessibility modifications
• And many more (PDF)

Home Improvement Program Impact

Since July 2025, the City of Fountain Valley's Home Improvement Program, fully funded by HUD, has awarded 38 grants and deferred interest loans totaling over $390,000 to income-qualified Fountain Valley homeowners earning below 80% of Area Median Income.

These grants have supported:

• Lead-based paint testing and remediation
• Termite eradication
• Accessibility improvements for residents with disabilities
• Critical health and safety repairs

Of the low-income households served during this period:

• 15 were senior households
• 7 were households with a person with a disability

Through targeted investment in home preservation, Fountain Valley helps residents remain safely housed while protecting neighborhood stability and community quality.