Minor Home Repairs
Operation One Touch Details
The County is not accepting new applications at this time.
Operation One Touch (OOT) is a signature program run by the Richland County Community Development Office that provides repairs to income-eligible homeowners for critical health and safety needs on their home.
How is it funded?
The program is funded by the annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support housing initiatives for low- and moderate-income households in unincorporated Richland County.
How much help can I get?
The program will provide up to $23,000 in funds per home for eligible repairs. Assistance will be provided in the form of a deferred forgivable loan. No repayment is required. However, applicants must sign a written affidavit indicating that they will occupy the home as their primary residence for five (5) years after assistance is granted through the program.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility for the program is determined by income thresholds set by HUD for household size (see below), homeownership and occupancy requirements, and other County requirements.
HUD Income Limits 2025 for Columbia SC (Richland County) Metro FMR Area
Maximum gross household income for the number of people in home
- 1: $51,950
- 2: $59,350
- 3: $66,750
- 4: $74,150
- 5: $80,100
- 6: $86,050
- 7: $91,950
- 8: $97,900
Source: U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. Limits updated annually.
A. Ownership
Applicants must be listed on the Deed as the property owner and have resided in the home as their primary residences for a minimum of 2 years prior to submitting an application. The County tax record(s) will be the primary source of information to determine ownership.
B. Occupancy
To qualify for assistance, the applicant must have occupied the home as their primary residence for at least two years at the time of application. The applicant must also sign an affidavit indicating that they intend to occupy the home as their primary residence for five (5) years after assistance is granted through the Program.
C. Property Taxes
Applicants who owe delinquent property taxes to the County on any property are ineligible for program assistance. All delinquent property taxes must be paid prior to receiving assistance.
D. Maximum Income
The GROSS annual income for ALL household members cannot exceed the applicable income for household size shown above. The full income threshold data for Richland County is also available at HUD.gov. Households exceeding the maximum income threshold of 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) are ineligible. Annual income is subject to verification using the Part 5 Annual Income definition.
Eligible Properties
A. Location
To qualify for grant assistance, the housing unit must be located within unincorporated Richland County.
B. Nature and Extent of Minor Repairs
To assess eligibility for the program, an inspection of all housing units will be conducted. This includes evaluating the feasibility of repairs within the program's scope, considering factors such as repair type and total cost. Homeowners will be notified if their unit does not meet the criteria for assistance based on the inspection results.
C. Types of Structures
Structures eligible for this program are single‐family detached.
D. Maximum Number of Grants Per Property
A property may only receive one grant award from this program in a ten‐year period, with no more than two grant awards total per property.
E. Flood Insurance
If the property lies in the one‐hundred-year floodplain zone, flood insurance is required. Documentation of flood insurance must be provided with the application for assistance.
Eligible Repairs
- Water heaters
- Electrical
- Roof
- Windows
- Floors
- HVAC
- Accessibility Improvements: ADA Ramps, Grab Bars, Handrails, Banisters
Ineligible Properties
- Mobile Homes
- Townhomes
- Duplex Homes
- Estate Properties
- Homes in Bankruptcy or Deferment
- Condominiums
Ineligible Repairs
Including but not limited to:
- Work on other buildings on the property not considered the primary residence (i.e. detached garage, sheds, and barns)
- Repair or replacement of non‐essential items (hot tubs, swimming pools, paint, etc.).
How can I apply?
Operation One Touch opens for new applications once each year. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with completed application packets required for submission. The program is currently not accepting applications. Continue to check this page for updates.
Application Checklist:
*Items with an asterisk are forms you will receive from the Community Development Office.
- Copy of Deed
- Copy of Mortgage Statement
- Hazard Insurance Policy
- Signed Federal Funds Notice*
- Race & Ethnic Data Reporting Form*
- Certification of No Income* (Only if you are not working)
- Agreement of Intent to Participate*
- Copy of Most Recent Tax Return or letter
- Proof of Residence (Utility Bill)
- Driver’s License or Federal/State Issued ID*
- Most Recent 3 months of Bank Statements
- Most Recent 2 months of Check Stubs (if you receive social security or retirement; you need to turn in the statement that shows how much you receive each month. NOT the 1099 form)
- Enrollment Verification (for students in college only)
- Termite Inspection Report
Signed Waiver of Personal Information*
Loan Description
First Come, First Served basis
Term: 5 Years
Interest Rate: 0%
Repayment: Deferred Forgivable Loan. This type of loan is interest-free and requires no repayment as long as there is no change in ownership or occupancy for a period of five (5) years. If there is a change in the ownership or occupancy of the property a pro-rata (illustrated below) portion of the loan is due in full. (Based on the rate of 1/24th)
CDBG Occupancy Time Limit with Repayment Amount of Loan
- 1 Year or Less 100%
- 2 Years 80%
- 3 Years 60%
- 4 Years 40%
- 5 Years 20%
- 5 Years or more 0%