Applications received for the event are reviewed by Independent Living Choices.

• Applicant(s) must own the home and reside in it
• No mobile/manufactured homes will be accepted
• Must be either 65 yrs old or older or have a permanent physical disability
• All projects must be accessibility-related (home repairs not applicable)
• Must meet certain income guidelines
• Must provide proof of household income for all residents in the home

The repairs are done at absolutely no cost to the homeowner.

The program is funded by a grant from the City of Sioux Falls Housing Division, Sioux Empire Home Builders Care Foundation and Independent Living Choices.

Approximately 50-70 Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire members volunteer for the event.

Testimonials from volunteers

When you look at a family with hardship, to take one day off to help—it’s not that big of a deal - when you think about what you’re doing. - Dave Serck

The focus of these projects is to enable people to have more accessibility in their own home. At the end of the day, the smiles never end. They are very appreciative. - Brad Mair

For the volunteers, what keeps them coming back is seeing the gratitude on families' faces after a project is complete. - Charlie Beatch

Notes from homeowners

We are ever so grateful to have found the Repair Affair program, because a project like this (a wheelchair ramp) is something way beyond the scope of what we are capable of doing. - G. Hendrickson

Now I can come and go by myself. When the other ramp was there I had to have someone help me down and up the ramp, so this will be nice. - J. Graff

We would like to thank you for our ramp. They made a few changes and it has made Sam's accessibility so much better. He doesn't hit his foot on the wall anymore, the first day he said he would open the door to see if it was really true. So, again, thank you for all you do. - S. & L. Marks

Thank you! I'm enjoying everything! I can come up the steps from the basement and walk straight, rather than crawling. A special thank you to the volunteers. - B. Davis

It's just really important for us because she can't walk around like regular kids so it's nice that she will be able to come and join us outside in the backyard or she can go play in our fenced yard by herself, or with her brothers. (Requested to have stairs to her back deck installed for her 8 year old daughter who is unable to walk because of a rare genetic disorder.) - R. Henry