Strategic shift will help more households prepare for future energy-saving improvements
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct 3, 2025 – The City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is launching the Residential Repair and Rehab Assistance Pilot Program (RRRAP), a new initiative designed to help Memphis families complete urgent home repairs that strengthen housing stability and may help to reduce energy costs long-term.
For many households, particularly those living in older homes, structural issues such as damaged roofs, unsafe wiring, or deteriorated plumbing have been barriers to participating in energy-efficiency programs. Federal guidelines under the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) did not allow these major repairs to be covered, leaving many families without options. The RRRAP addresses this challenge head-on. By covering repairs that make homes safe and sound, the program positions more households to qualify for weatherization upgrades.
“Too many families were turned away from our weatherization program simply because their homes needed critical repairs first,” said Ashley Cash, HCD Director. “With the Residential Repair and Rehab Pilot Program, we can close that gap. We are building stronger homes today so more Memphians can benefit from energy savings tomorrow.”
The first recipients of RRRAP assistance will be selected from recent applicants to the WAP who were denied due to repair needs. This ensures that the program delivers immediate impact to households already seeking energy-saving assistance. The City’s Weatherization team, which has been serving residents for years, will now lead the implementation of RRRAP, ensuring continuity and expertise as the program gets underway.
The new RRRAP program will be supported primarily through federal funding from HUD, including the Healthy Homes Production Grant and Community Development Block Grant. Together, these investments will allow more Memphians to make the critical repairs needed to prepare their homes for future weatherization services. While HCD transitions its staff to focus on RRRAP, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) will soon announce a new administrator for the WAP. Memphis residents will therefore benefit from two complementary housing resources: weatherization services offered through the new administrator, and local repairs assistance delivered by HCD through RRRAP.
New applications for the RRRAP will be accepted once the first cohort of eligible households that were deferred from the WAP have undergone repairs. New applications are tentatively anticipated to open mid-late 2026. For updates, please watch for HCD notifications on all public platforms. Additional inquiries may be sent to Ms. Tavita Conway, HCD Healthy Homes Administrator ([email protected]).
Media Contact:
Arlenia Cole , City of Memphis Communications.