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This page includes resources to find shelter for tonight and a safe place to stay during extreme weather. resources for someone who needs a place to stay I'm looking for Where can someone find a place to stay tonight? To help residents feel as comfortable as possible during a hard time, there are many types of shelters available: Individuals looking for emergency shelter can refer to this page on how to access shelter . Young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 can find several shelters on DC Government’s resource page, including places that support LGBTQ+ individuals as well as pregnant/young mothers. Youth between the ages of 11 and 17 looking for shelter can call the Safe Place Hotline at (202) 547-7777 or go to Sasha Bruce House . Families looking for shelter should visit Virginia Williams Family Center or call the DC Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 , 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I need to talk to someone. Who can I call? If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911. If you need help getting food or shelter immediately, call the DC Shelter Hotline, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (202) 399-7093 . The hotline is staffed by the United Planning Organization and has information on how to find shelter or how to get a free ride to a heating or cooling center during extreme weather. Minors (from ages 11-17 years old) can also call the Safe Place hotline at (202) 547-7777 . This hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is staffed by the Sasha Bruce Youthwork organization. You can also call 311 to request city services and information about emergency shelters. አማርኛ 中文 Français 한국어 Español Tiếng Việt Where can someone find a place to cool off or warm up during extreme weather? Individuals that are looking for a place to shelter from extreme weather should call the DC Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311. The hotline has information on how to get a free ride to a cooling or warming center. Centers are often located at recreation centers, public schools, or churches. I have a question that’s not covered here. Who can I contact? You can reach out to the DC Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 , 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This page only covers resources available through us—DC Government—and our contractors. It was last updated in November 2021. Keywords: Shelters open near me, where are homeless shelters, bad weather, inclement weather, where to find shelter, experiencing homelessness, on the streets Homelessness Translations

This page includes information on how homeowners can create a rental unit on their property in DC. How Do I Create a Rental Unit On My Property? አማርኛ 中文 Français 한국어 Español Tiếng Việt This resource is provided by: How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. Most single family homes in the District of Columbia are allowed to have a rental unit. Rental units are typically in the basement or backyard of the property. They’re sometimes called accessory dwelling units or two-family flats, depending on the zoning rules for your home. All rental units must have a separate entrance, as well as permanent rooms and appliances for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. Keywords: homeowners, rental unit, rent my home, rent out, how to rent out my house, extra income This page was last updated May 2023. Rental Unit Translations

The District provides homeowners with financial assistance to repair their roof or eliminate barriers to accessibility. You may be eligible if you own a home in DC. 1. Learn about this resource. Residents can get up to $60,000 in grants to assist with roof repairs and accessibility modifications of their home. Up to $30,000 can be awarded to repair a water-damaged or structurally-compromised roof. Up to $30,000 can be awarded to make accessibility modifications for a household member with a mobility or physical impairment. This program is offered by the Department of Housing and Community Development and is called the Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program. 2. Check if you are eligible. You are eligible if all of these statements are true: You own a home in a building with four units or fewer. Your home has been your primary residence for the past three years or more. You have homeowners insurance for your home. You are a DC resident. You are up to date on your District and federal taxes. You have a credit report that shows you are current on your mortgage payments for the past 12 months. Your yearly gross household income is at or below the maximum limits for your household size. Check below. repair your roof and make your home more accessible? DO YOU WANT TO How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. This resource is provided by: Keywords: homeowners, financial assistance, repair my roof, make my home more accessible, accessibility, physical disability, elderly, old, age-in-place, senior citizen, renovate, chair lift, stairlift, ramp This page was last updated January 2023. አማርኛ 中文 Français 한국어 Español Tiếng Việt SFRRP Translations

DC Government helps residents make their homes more energy-efficient. Your household may be eligible if your income is below the program limits. 1. Learn about this resource. Residents can get financial assistance to reduce their home’s heat, cooling, and electricity use to save money on their utility bills. We—DC Government—can help you figure out what you can do to protect your home from cold, heat, rain, or wind and to improve your home’s energy efficiency. This process is called weatherization and can include work to improve your: Insulation Duct sealing Heating and cooling systems Appliance energy use We work with a local nonprofit to pay for the weatherization projects and find a repair person to complete the projects on your home. This program is called the Weatherization Assistance Program and is offered by the Department of Energy and Environment. 2. Check if you are eligible. You are eligible if all of these statements are true: You live in a single-family home (or a building with four or fewer units) that you rent or own. Your home is in DC. Your home is not in foreclosure. And if at least one of these statements is true: Your household receives support from at least one of the following programs: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Your household’s annual gross income—your income before paying taxes—is at or below the limits based on your household size. You can check by answering the two questions below. reduce your home’s energy use? DO YOU WANT TO How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. This resource is provided by: አማርኛ 中文 Français 한국어 Español Tiếng Việt How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. Weatherization Translations Keywords: homeowners, renters, make my home energy efficient, income limits. energy bill, reduce energy use, air conditioning, heating, electricity, utility fees This page was last updated October 2022.

Find DC Government resources for maintaining and saving money on your home. Get help maintaining and saving money on my home pay my mortgage make repairs and renovate my home make my home safer save on my utilities save on my taxes make my home environmentally friendly አማርኛ 中文 Français 한국어 Español Tiếng Việt Browse Translations

Find homeowner services from the DC Government by category. Show me resources to... learn about buying and owning a home get ready to buy a home get help buying a home አማርኛ 中文 Français 한국어 Español Tiếng Việt Browse Translations pay my mortgage make repairs and renovate my home make my home safer save on my utilities save on my taxes make my home environmentally friendly

The District offers residents assistance to test and replace lead paint in the home. You may be eligible if a child up to 6 years old spends time in your home or if a pregnant person lives with you. 1. Learn about this resource. Residents can use financial assistance from us—DC Government—to replace lead-based paint from their homes. We work with a local nonprofit to pay for the projects and find a repair person to complete work on your home. This program is called the Lead Reduction Program and is offered by the Department of Energy & Environment. 2. Check if you are eligible. You are eligible if all of these statements are true: You live in DC. You live in a house or building built before 1978. Your household’s annual gross income—your income before paying taxes—is at or below the limits based on your household size. You can check by answering the two questions below. reduce lead paint in your home? DO YOU WANT TO This resource is provided by: አማርኛ 中文 Français 한국어 Español Tiếng Việt You do not need to be a homeowner to apply for this program. How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. Keywords: District residents, lead testing, replace lead paint, child, pregnant person, kid, babysitting, expecting This page was last updated October 2022. Lead Reduction Translations

The District offers residents, businesses, and property owners discounts on their water bills if they help the city reduce polluted water getting into our rivers. You may be eligible if you are a current DC Water customer and have already installed green projects on your property. save on your water bill in exchange for reducing polluted water in our rivers? DO YOU WANT TO 1. Learn about this resource. Residents, businesses, and property owners can save money on their DC Water bill when they help reduce pollution from runoff with green projects, such as green roofs, permeable pavement, rain gardens, and rain barrels, on their property. We—DC Government—offer up to 55% off your DOEE Stormwater Fee and up to 20% off the Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge depending on how much stormwater runoff your green projects prevent. This program is called RiverSmart Rewards and is offered by the Department of Energy & Environment. 2. Check if you are eligible. You are eligible if all of these statements are true: You or someone in your household is a current DC Water customer. Your DC Water bill includes the Stormwater Fee and Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge . You are up-to-date on all your DC Water bill payments. You have installed and continue to maintain one or more eligible types of green projects on a property in DC: Green roof to support the growth of plants that hold rain, Rain barrel or cistern to catch and store rain to use later to, for example, water your garden, Permeable pavement system to capture and temporarily store rain in place of an asphalt, concrete, or brick surface, Rain gardens or similar system to collect rain and filter out pollution, Shade trees to help hold rain in the soil, or Disconnected downspout to redirect drains to your lawn instead of pavement. Both homeowners and renters may apply. This resource is provided by: አማርኛ 中文 Français 한국어 Español Tiếng Việt How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. Keywords: homeowners, renters, green home, manage rainwater, landscaping, single-family home, sustainability, reduce pollution, polluted water, plant trees, tree planting, permeable surfaces, water fees, reduce water bill, reduce water usage, water assistance This page was last updated May 2022. RiverSmart Rewards Translations

This page includes information on how residents can invest in solar and help the District meet our clean energy goals! I'm looking for information about going solar How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. Many renters and homeowners are interested in solar but do not know where to start. This page includes information on how residents can invest in solar and help the District meet our clean energy goals! አማርኛ 中文 Français 한국어 Español Tiếng Việt Solar Translations Keywords: homeowners, renters, invest in solar, clean energy, sustainability, solar power, solar roof, conserve energy, conservation This page was last updated May 2024.

The District offers homeowners an opportunity to receive a free assessment of which flood protection measures would best meet their needs. You may be eligible if you own and occupy a home in the District’s 100-year floodplain. learn how to protect your home from flooding? DO YOU WANT TO 1. Learn about this resource. Homeowners can get a free resilience assessment and free counseling on actions to protect their home from flooding. We—the DC Government—will hire a professional to come to your home for a free flood resilience assessment and help identify the best solutions for your flooding concerns to reduce flood risk in your home. We will provide you with a home resiliency report detailing these recommendations and a free Elevation Certificate that can possibly be used to reduce flood insurance premiums. This program is called FloodSmart Homes and is offered by the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). Homeowners who participate in the FloodSmart Homes program will receive: Free home resilience assessment and report Free counseling on resilience upgrades and flood prevention Free Elevation Certificate completed by a licensed surveyor 2. Check if you are eligible. Our goal is to serve all homeowners with flood risk who indicate interest in the program. Homes that are in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), also known as the 100-year floodplain, will be served first as they are at the highest risk during a flood. Following this, homes in the 500-year floodplain will be served, then all other homes who indicate interest and have documented flood risk. You can see if your home is in a floodplain by doing one of the following: Visit the DC Flood Risk Portal website and locate your home: Enter your address in the top right corner of the page. When the map zooms to your location, click on the Legend dropdown and note whether your home is located within the “1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard”, "0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard", or “Regulatory Floodway” zones. If any part of the outline of your home—even a small corner—overlaps with either of these zones, it means you are most likely in an SFHA. If the location is not immediately clear, click on your home and note the zone designation in the pop-up box. If your home is in zones “A,” “AE,” “AH,” or “AO,” it means you are most likely in an SFHA. Send an email to the Flood Team at flood.risk@dc.gov . How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. This resource is provided by: Keywords: homeowners, flooding, flood mitigation, retrofit, home improvement, healthy housing This page was last updated October 2023. RiverSmart Homes Translations

DC Government offers homeowners an interest-free loan to pay overdue taxes and fees that come with owning a home. You may be eligible if you are an older adult who is at risk of foreclosure in DC and if your income is below the program limits. 1. Learn about this resource. Residents who have a reverse mortgage, which allows homeowners to access the value of their home in cash and stops their loan payments, can get help paying overdue taxes and fees. You can receive an interest-free loan of up to $25,000 from DC Government for your overdue property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, condominium fees, and/or homeowners’ association fees. You won’t need to repay the loan until you sell your home or no longer live there. This program is called DC Reverse Mortgage Insurance & Tax Payment Program (ReMIT) and is offered by the DC Housing Finance Agency, in partnership with Housing Counseling Services, a local nonprofit. 2. Check if you are eligible. You are eligible if all of these statements are true: Your annual gross income—your income before paying taxes—is at or below $77,540. To calculate your income, add up the income of anyone listed on your mortgage and money you receive for housing from anyone you live with. You own the home that you live in. Your home is in DC. You have a reverse mortgage for your home in your name, which means that you can access the value in your home in cash and don’t have to make mortgage payments. You have to be at least 62 years old to get a reverse mortgage. You are at risk of foreclosure because you’ve been unable to pay all or some of your property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, or condo or homeowners’ association fees. You can show that you have the income to pay your future financial obligations. get help paying taxes and fees for your home? DO YOU WANT TO This resource is provided by: አማርኛ 中文 Français 한국어 Español Tiếng Việt Note: This program is no longer available. How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. Keywords: homeowners, interest-free loan, overdue taxes and fees, homeownership, older adults, at risk of foreclosure, income limits, elderly, seniors, retired, late payment, stay in your home, reverse mortgage This page was last updated April 2022. Remit Translations

DC Government offers free, expert counseling to help homeowners trying to prevent foreclosure on their mortgage. You may be eligible if you own a home in DC. 1. Learn about this resource. DC homeowners can access free foreclosure prevention counseling to get help if they’re worried about paying their mortgage, are behind on their mortgage payments, or are in the process of foreclosure. A counselor will help you assess your financial situation, consider alternatives to foreclosure, and apply for assistance. Counselors may also connect you to legal assistance if your lender has already started the foreclosure process or if they identify loan fraud or predatory lending—lending that is unfair or abusive. You may receive up to five hours of free legal assistance. This program is called the Foreclosure Prevention Program and is offered by the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB), in partnership with Housing Counseling Services (HCS), a local HUD-Certified nonprofit. 2. Check if you are eligible. You are eligible if you own a residential property in the District. prevent foreclosure on your home? DO YOU WANT TO How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. How do I apply? Email Capital Area Asset Builders (or CAAB), a nonprofit organization that partners with DC Government to run this program, at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. If it’s easier, you can call CAAB at (202) 419-1440. CAAB will send you an application form. Send the form back to CAAB by email. You’ll also need to provide documentation, including your two most recent pay stubs and the most recent tax return for anyone in the household with income from working. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program has reached capacity. If there are no available slots, CAAB will put you on the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist will be contacted when more funding becomes available. What happens after I apply? Within 5 business days, CAAB will notify you by email to let you know if your application is accepted or not. If you’re approved, CAAB will schedule a time for you to meet or talk on the phone with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide advice tailored to you and work with you to name a goal for your savings. You will also need to sign an agreement for your participation in the program and complete a survey about your financial situation. CAAB will create a savings account with Citibank, owned by both you and us—DC Government. You will contribute at least $25 a month to your new savings account for 6-18 months. You can contribute in person at the bank or by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. When you’re ready to withdraw the funds, we will match your savings with $4 for every $1 you deposit. You can save up to $1,500 over 6-18 months to receive up to $6,000 in matched savings, for a total savings of up to $7,500. You will use your matched savings towards the goal that you chose earlier in the process! Are there any additional requirements I should know about? You must make a minimum deposit of $25 each month. You must contribute monthly to the savings account for at least six months within 18 months of opening it. You must receive financial coaching before withdrawing from your matched funds. You can take the money out of your account after you’ve reached your savings goal or if you are approved for an emergency withdrawal. Your savings must go toward: Purchasing a home in DC as your primary residence Launching a small business in DC for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Post-secondary educational costs, such as college, trade school, or other classes at an institution of higher education for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Job training costs with an accredited or licensed program for yourself or for your spouse, domestic partner, father, mother, child, or dependent Major repairs or improvements to the home you live in Costs associated with a medical emergency that aren’t covered by insurance Saving for retirement Paying for costs and expenses that come up during retirement Who should I contact if I have questions? First, take a look at the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, please reach out to Capital Area Asset Builders by phone at (202) 419-1440 or via email at DCOpportunity@caab.org with the subject line “DC Opportunity Account”. I'm not eligible, but I need help with my finances. What should I do?" You can find information about other resources that might help on our [issue] resources page. Frequently Asked Questions Is this a program run by the DC government? Yes. We—DC Government—partner with Capital Area Asset Builders, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with low and moderate incomes in DC to build financial security. Can I make an emergency withdrawal from my account? Yes. You can make one emergency withdrawal while you’re saving in the account. If you need to pay for medical emergency costs not covered by insurance or for health insurance premiums in the event of a sudden, unexpected loss of income, you can make an emergency withdrawal that includes your own funds, as well as DC matching funds. These withdrawals do not need to be repaid, but you must resume regular deposits within 90 days. If you need to make an emergency withdrawal for another reason, including to prevent an eviction and to help with living expenses following loss of employment, you may withdraw your own funds only and must repay your account within 12 months. Is it possible to build credit using this account? No, unfortunately, because this is an account co-owned by you and us, depositing in this account won’t improve your credit score. I want to use my savings toward buying a home. Do I need to notify the program? Yes. You will need to live in the home, and it must be located in DC. Can I save more than $1,500 in the savings account? Yes. You can save more than $1,500, but the program will only provide a match of up to $6,000. Any funds that you contribute after the amount of $1,500 will not be matched. We still encourage you to save as much as you can! In addition to the match, will the money I put in the savings account earn interest? A typical savings account lets you store cash securely with a bank and earns interest on the money you save. This special savings account does not earn interest, but the match from us is much larger than the typical interest rate would offer. If I have participated in the program before and received a match, can I participate again? There is more interest in the program than spots available, so we are only able to accept applicants participating for the first time. This resource is provided by: Keywords: foreclose, displace, legal aid, housing assistance, lender, bank, homeowner rights, mortgage assistance, scam, eviction court, keep my home This page was last updated May 2022. አማርኛ 中文 Français 한국어 Español Tiếng Việt Foreclosure Translatons