Veteran Home Repair Program

Service Information
Free home repairs for veterans image.

About the Veteran Home Repair Program

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined the County’s Department of Veterans Affairs along with representatives from Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago (RTMC) and other elected officials to announce the completion of the Veterans Home Repair Program. In partnership with RTMC, Cook County allocated $1.25 million to complete indoor and outdoor repairs to 30 veteran-owned homes throughout Cook County. 

This free program was available to Cook County veteran homeowners, dependent spouses or caretakers who provide housing for a veteran. 

Repair costs ranged from $15,000 to $45,000 depending on the needs of the homeowner and condition of the home. Repairs that made homes more accessible, safe and comfortable. 

Exterior

  • Replaced Roof
  • Replaced Gutters and downspouts
  • Replaced front entry doors
  • Stair replacement
  • Replaced Windows
  • Replaced concrete walkways

Accessibility

  • Installed Ramps and vertical platform lifts
  • Installed Handrails and grab bars
  • Created accessible kitchens and bathrooms

Electrical

  • Replaced GFCIs and outlets
  • Replaced lighting

Plumbing

  • Performed extensive plumbing repairs

Interior Repairs

  • Replaced exhaust fans and furnaces

Miscellaneous

  • Performed various structural repairs

Safety

  • Installed smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguishers

Cook County has partnered with Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago for over three decades, renovating and repairing more than 2,000 homes since 1991. The Veteran Home Repair Program was designed specifically for veterans and their families.

The veteran home repair program focuses on warm, safe and dry priorities or the need for home modification improvements. Low-income veteran homeowners were prioritized. 

A call for applications was issued in March of 2023. Repairs to homes began in the fall of 2023 and repairs to the final home were completed last month. The project was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.