Communities Unlimited (CU) is offering Fortified Roofing Grants of up to $15,000 to qualified homeowners to help strengthen their homes against extreme weather. These grants are available for a limited time to homeowners in Jefferson, Lincoln, and Desha counties in Arkansas, as well as Linden (Cass County) and Alto (Cherokee County) in Texas.
Fortified roofs are specifically designed to better withstand high winds and severe storms such as tornadoes — offering a vital line of defense in rural communities where storms can have devastating consequences. Unlike traditional roofing, which often fails during storms and leaves homes vulnerable to rain and water damage, a fortified roof offers layered protection that significantly reduces the risk of costly destruction and long-term displacement.
“Roofs are often one of the largest expenses a homeowner will face after they purchase their home, and for some, that cost becomes an insurmountable barrier to having a safe and healthy place to live,” said Audra Butler, CU’s Area Director of Rural Housing. “Too often, we see hardworking rural families forced from their homes for months—sometimes even a year—after a storm because of water damage caused by roof failure. With a fortified roof, families can stay in their homes and avoid the trauma and financial burden that follows these disasters. These grants are an investment in both safety and peace of mind.”
Key Details:
• Grant Amount: Up to $15,000 per qualified applicant
• Deadline to Apply: April 18, 2025
• Where to Apply: communitiesu.org/fortified-roofing-application/
• Eligible Counties:
o Arkansas: Jefferson, Lincoln, Desha
o Texas: Linden (Cass County) and Alto (Cherokee County)
• Required Documents:
o Proof of ID
o Proof of Homeownership
o Proof of Income
• Additional Requirements:
o Home must be the applicant’s primary residence
o Household income must be at or below 120% of the area’s median income
o Funding is limited and only complete applications will be considered
Eligible applicants will be contacted by Communities Unlimited to schedule a home inspection.
At CU, we believe rural families, small business owners, and family farmers are the backbone of our communities. They deserve access to safe, affordable housing — just like their urban counterparts. Too many rural residents are forced to spend more than half their income on housing, leaving little for other essentials like food, childcare, and transportation. These grants are one step toward changing that.
About Communities Unlimited, Inc.
Communities Unlimited, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with more than 100 employees, leveraging $45.6 million in assets to deliver programs and services that impact 1.4 million people across over 1,000 rural communities in the Southern United States. Founded in 1975, CU operates in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. The organization connects rural Americans to solutions that foster healthy businesses, thriving communities, and an improved quality of life. Through a holistic approach that integrates human connection, technology, and expertise, CU supports small businesses, sustainable water systems, rural housing, and economic development.
