How We Can Help
Small Repairs and HomeFit® Modifications
The Kennedy Heights Home Repair Program provides free, small-scale home repairs and AARP® HomeFit modifications to help residents safely age in place. Services include fixing leaky faucets, drywall repair, painting, minor electrical work, and installing safety items such as grab bars and handrails. This program is designed for Kennedy Heights residents who are 50 or older, have a disability, or are a veteran — and who demonstrate a financial need for assistance.
Please note that funds are limited and availability is not guaranteed.
This program is made possible through the generous support of Guardian Savings Bank, Cincinnati's HomeBase Program, and an AARP® mini grant awarded to KHDC in 2026 — and we could not serve our community without these valued partners.
Local Referrals for Larger Repairs
While KHDC is committed to supporting our neighbors, our funding and scope of services are limited to smaller repairs and modifications. If you have urgent or larger repair needs — such as a leaking roof, basement water backup, mold, or a major mechanical failure like a broken water heater or loss of heat — we will connect you with local organizations equipped to help, including People Working Cooperatively, LISC Home Repair Support, Habitat for Humanity Critical Repairs, and the Hamilton County Revive + Thrive Program.
Each of these programs has its own eligibility criteria, and some may involve costs to the resident such as a low-interest loan. Where possible, KHDC will do what we can to support you while you await assistance from these partner organizations, though we cannot make guarantees. Our goal is to make sure no resident falls through the cracks.
Social Service Support Referrals
Our commitment to residents extends beyond the physical condition of your home. During an intake call or home visit, if you share a need for additional support or if our team notices one — we will connect you with local resources such as food banks, healthcare and transportation services, the Cincinnati Council on Aging, and more.
Who We Are
In-Take Coordinators
Abby Burton, KHDC Executive Director
Mary Ray, KHDC President & Board Chair
Mary Ann Romanello, KHDC Home Repair Intake Coordinator Support
Our intake coordinator role is currently being revitalized to better serve Kennedy Heights residents, and a small collaborative team is working together to improve the experience from your very first call.
Our goal is to be more transparent upfront — clearly communicating what we can and cannot help with, connecting you with other resources when needed, and giving you a realistic sense of how long it may take before a project manager visits your home.
Once your repairs are complete, the intake coordinator will follow up by phone or in person to confirm the work meets our standards and that you're satisfied with the outcome. You may also be asked if KHDC can take photos and share your feedback in our newsletter, email blasts, or digital media — participation is entirely optional, and you have every right to decline. If you do participate, your address will never be shown and only your first name will be used to protect your privacy.
Abby
Mary
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Volunteers
The Kennedy Heights Home Repair Program is made stronger and more impactful with the help of skilled volunteers from our community. Whether you have experience in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, painting, or general handyman skills, we'd love to have you in our corner.
Fill out the form below to share your areas of expertise, and we'll reach out when a need arises that matches your skills. Together, we can help more Kennedy Heights residents stay safe and comfortable in their homes.
Project Manager
Charles Burgess
KHDC Home Repair Project Manager
This year, we're excited to welcome Charles Burgess as our new project manager. A longtime Kennedy Heights resident who works as a handyman at a local school, Charles brings both skill and a genuine passion for helping his neighbors.
After our intake coordinator collects your basic information and a general description of your repair needs, Charles will reach out directly to schedule a home visit. During that visit, he'll assess your repairs and prioritize those that are most urgent or that impact your health and safety — for example, a leaking pipe addressed early can prevent mold and the serious health problems that come with it.
Charles will either begin work that same day or schedule a follow-up visit, and once the work is complete he'll notify the intake coordinator, who will close out your request and check in on your experience.
Home Repair Volunteer Sign Up
Do you have a skill that could make a real difference for a neighbor in need? We're always looking for volunteers to support our senior home repair program — whether you're handy with basic repairs, have a background in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, or just a willingness to lend a hand.
Fill out the form below with your areas of expertise and availability, and we'll reach out when your skills are a match for an upcoming project. Every contribution, big or small, helps a Kennedy Heights senior stay safe and comfortable in their home.
AARP® HomeFit Resources
