Homeowner Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (HRRP) FAQs

The HRRP is a state-funded program that provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners whose homes were damaged by a federally declared disaster. The program helps rehabilitate or reconstruct homes to meet safety, energy, and code requirements.

The program is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) using funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), typically through the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) or Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) programs.

The HRRP provides:

• Rehabilitation of existing structures (minor to major repairs)
• Reconstruction of homes that are substantially damaged or beyond repair
• Elevation of homes located in flood zones, if required
• Temporary relocation assistance (if applicable)

To be eligible, applicants generally must:

• Own and occupy the damaged home as their primary residence
• Have been affected by a qualifying disaster (based on designated disaster counties)
• Meet income limits (often 80% AMI or below)
• Provide documentation of disaster impact, ownership, and occupancy

Additional eligibility criteria may apply based on the program’s action plan.

Applicants typically need to submit:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of homeownership (e.g., deed, title)
• Proof of occupancy (e.g., utility bills, driver’s license)
• Proof of income for all household members
• Insurance and FEMA award letters
• Photos or evidence of disaster-related damage

You may still qualify, but the program must review prior assistance to ensure there is no Duplication of Benefits (DOB). Any previous funds received for the same purpose (repairs, rebuilding) will be deducted from your eligible award amount.

It refers to receiving financial assistance from multiple sources for the same loss or need (e.g., receiving FEMA and insurance funds for roof repair). Federal law prohibits duplicating benefits.

Due to limited funding, priority may be given to:

• Low- to moderate-income households
• Elderly or disabled homeowners
• Homes with extensive or critical damage
• Applicants in vulnerable or high-risk areas (e.g., floodplains)

No. Funds are not paid to the homeowner. The program contracts licensed builders to perform rehabilitation or reconstruction work. Payments go directly to contractors after approved inspections.

Generally, no. Contractors must be procured and vetted through the program’s approved list to ensure compliance with federal and state standards.

Possibly. If your home is not livable during construction, you may be eligible for temporary relocation assistance or housing support during that time.

Timelines vary based on:

• Application completeness
• Environmental reviews
• Scope of damage
• Contractor availability
  On average, from application to project completion, the process may take several months.

No, the assistance is not a loan and does not need to be repaid unless:

• You provide false information
• You sell the home before meeting program requirements (e.g., maintaining primary residence for a set number of years)
• You violate program terms

Examples of eligible repairs:

• Roof replacement
• Electrical, plumbing, HVAC
• Foundation repairs
• Structural damage
• ADA accessibility improvements
• Code compliance upgrades

Temporary Relocation Assistance

Temporary relocation occurs when a resident must vacate their home for a short period during construction or rehabilitation activities funded by programs such as the Homeowner Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (HRRP). When relocation is necessary, eligible households are entitled to Temporary Relocation Assistance to reduce the burden and disruption caused by the move.

Assistance may include:

• Lodging or rental costs during the displacement period
• Moving and storage expenses
• Utility reconnections
• Meal per diems or allowances (if applicable)
• Transportation assistance

The goal is to ensure that no person is unfairly burdened or financially harmed by their temporary displacement due to federally funded housing improvement work.

Uniform Relocation Act (URA) Overview

The URA protects the rights of individuals who are:

• Permanently displaced due to federally funded acquisition or demolition
• Temporarily relocated due to rehabilitation or reconstruction activities
• Living in housing that is being acquired or improved with federal funds

The URA ensures that:

• Displaced individuals are treated fairly and equitably
• They are provided with adequate notice, advisory services, and assistance
• Any relocation (temporary or permanent) is carried out in a way that minimizes hardship
• No one is displaced without receiving proper compensation or assistance

Compliance with the URA is required for all HUD-funded programs, including CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT grants.