Critical Repairs
Partnering with homeowners, municipalities and Indigenous communities to provide safer homes — one repair at a time.
Real people, real impact
For Vern, a senior living in his family home in Sooke, BC, water in his home was a daily struggle. Habitat Victoria, along with our partner, Rather Be Plumbing, gave him peace of mind.
“Well, very clearly now, when it rains, I’m not in fear. Prior to the work being done, honest to god, I was fearful of my place. Every time.”
Together, we build safety and dignity
A safe, well-maintained home is the foundation of a healthy life, but for many families, the cost of essential home repairs is out of reach.
In partnership with local builders, contractors, and professionals, our Critical Repairs program helps to maintain safe, livable housing by addressing urgent health and safety issues.
More than homeowners: A community-wide solution
Maintaining and repairing homes is a key part of tackling Canada’s affordable housing crisis. That’s why our Critical Repairs program supports not just individual homeowners, but also communities. Here’s who we help:
Homeowners who live on a low income and cannot afford essential repairs, or need modifications for accessibility and require urgent fixes. This includes homeowners who are seniors who want the option to age in place when their homes are maintained as safe and livable spaces.
Municipalities looking to preserve housing stock and make more homes available can partner with us to ensure existing units remain safe and habitable.
Indigenous communities that want to support local housing needs by making home repairs through a partnership approach with Habitat.
Explore partnership opportunities
Help keep homes safe and healthy! Your support will fix critical home deficiencies that preserve housing supply and enable homeowners to live safely and with dignity.
Contact us at family@habitat.ca or 250-480-7688 ext 105 to learn more.
The need for Critical Repairs
More than 1 in 14 households need repairs for major deficiencies — from faulty electrical wiring and plumbing issues to damaged roofs and accessibility challenges. Without intervention, these homes could become uninhabitable, pushing more families into precarious housing situations.
What critical repairs can we help with?
Not all home repairs are the same. Our focus is on those that directly affect safety, health, and livability.
To qualify as a critical repair, the work must:
be essential for maintaining a legal, safe, and livable home
resolve at least one health and safety-related deficiency identified as critical by Habitat Victoria
Examples of critical repairs may include:
accessibility modifications such as grab bars, railings, and ramps
electrical and ventilation repairs
fire prevention measures, including installing smoke alarms and replacing worn switches and receptacles
plumbing repairs to prevent leaks or water damage
replacement of windows and doors with high-efficiency models
structural safety improvements to prevent hazards
urgent roof repairs to protect against leaks and structural deterioration
High-quality work you can trust
Work completed through the Critical Repairs program is carried out by licensed professionals and skilled tradespeople who have a heart for helping our community. Their expertise ensures repairs are done right the first time, giving homeowners and communities peace of mind.
We also welcome volunteer participation in this program. Volunteers support repair projects alongside experienced tradespeople and make a meaningful impact in their community.
Application Process
Fill out our Critical Repair Program Application.
Once you have submitted your application and documents, Habitat staff will schedule a home assessment and provide a quote for the scope of critical repairs required. Homeowners may be asked to cover some of the expenses.
Once the home assessment is completed, you will be notified via phone if your application is approved or denied.
Please note: Our Critical Repair Program is closely connected to available funding, with the scope, scale, and duration of services shaped by the resources provided through appropriations, grants, or contributions.