The SARFS, Small Accessible Repairs For Seniors program provides limited home improvements and enabling devices to eligible senior citizens in Chicago at no cost to the Applicant. Applicants may be homeowners or tenant.

Services are provided by Near West Side CDC, as a Delegate Agency of the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development, and can include, but is not limited to the following repairs: construction of a wheelchair accessible ramp, (no other roof or exterior work), repair of interior steps, (not porches), installation or repair of handrails (interior or exterior), installation in the bathroom of grab bars, accessible raised toilet and additional minor repairs. Items which would make a dwelling unit more habitable by the Senior residing there.

Eligibility:
Applicants must be at least 60 years of age. May not exceed the HUD, Housing and Urban Development guidelines for Income Limits, based on household size. Applicants must provide background information for all occupants of the household. Qualified recipients can be a homeowner or renter, (who obtains the landlord’s permission). The building must be 1 to 4 units to be eligible for repairs through the SARFS program. On-site inspections will be done to determine services needed.

When a renter makes an application, the landlord shall certify that he or she is the owner where the applicant resides, and give permission for repairs to be done under the SARFS Program, and will not increase the rent as a result of SARFS improvements.

For specific details on program or eligibility, please contact the Department of Planning and Development or 311.