Fort Wayne Opens Zero-Interest Roof Loan Program Up to $20,000

Fort Wayne has opened applications for a roof-replacement program offering qualified homeowners zero-interest loans of up to $20,000. The assistance is a loan, not a grant, and repayment is secured through a mortgage on the property.

The 2026 Roof Program opened July 21 through the city’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services. Because the program uses limited HUD funding, applications are reviewed in the order they are completed and qualified. Applying does not guarantee approval or funding.

Who may qualify

The program is limited to homeowners whose property is inside Fort Wayne city limits. Applicants must own and occupy the home as their primary residence and meet the household income limit of 80 percent of Area Median Income.

The city lists $76,100 as the income limit for a family of four. Eligibility can vary based on household size, and city staff may request documentation during the review process.

Approved assistance can cover up to $20,000 in eligible roof-replacement work. The loan carries no interest and is scheduled to be repaid through monthly installments over 10 years. Because the loan is mortgage-secured, homeowners should understand that the program creates a repayment obligation even though no interest is charged.

How to apply

Residents can begin with the online application through the Engage Fort Wayne portal. The online process includes a prescreening step intended to help determine whether an applicant may meet the basic program requirements.

Residents who need a paper application can call 260-427-8585. People who need language assistance can contact Language Services Network at 260-426-6764.

Applicants should apply promptly because funding is limited and participation is first-qualified, first-served. A completed application is only the first step; it is not the same as approval, loan closing, contractor selection or construction authorization.

What happens after applying

For applicants who move forward, the city process may include requests for additional documents, an in-person review for paper applications, a habitability inspection and an assessment of the overall project. Staff then develop a scope of work for the applicant’s approval and manage contractor bidding through a pre-approved contractor list.

Applicants select from the bids received through that city-managed process. The program page also identifies radon testing as part of the process before the project can be bid. After the required reviews, the applicant may proceed to loan closing, contracting and construction if the project is approved and funding remains available.

The city says the process may take up to six months before installation. That is an estimate for the time before work begins, not a guaranteed completion date.

For Fort Wayne homeowners facing roof repairs, the program may provide a way to spread the cost over time without interest. Residents should weigh that benefit against the mortgage security and long-term monthly repayment before applying.

Sources

• City of Fort Wayne 2026 Roof Program
• City of Fort Wayne Community Development notice
• AroundFortWayne roof program report