Fort Wayne Launches Heating System Grant Program

Eligible homeowners can apply for funding to replace non-working furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Home Repair

Fort Wayne Launches Heating System Grant Program

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Should local governments provide grants to help homeowners cover the cost of repairing essential heating systems?

Fort Wayne has launched the Hope Through Heat grant program to assist qualifying homeowners with the cost of replacing non-working heating systems. This initiative provides funding for new furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps for residents meeting specific income requirements.

Why it matters

Heating failures pose significant safety and logistics challenges for families during the colder months, and this program helps reduce the financial burden of essential climate-control repairs. Grants are prioritized based on meeting eligibility criteria as applications open to the public.

Applicants must own and reside in a home within Fort Wayne city limits, with household income at or below 60% of the Area Median Income of $57,060 for a family of four. Grants cover the replacement of non-working furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and electric heat kits.

The players

Fort Wayne

The city government managing the distribution of federal funds to assist local residents with home maintenance and infrastructure needs.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

The federal agency providing the financial backing for local community development and housing assistance programs.

The details

The program requires interested homeowners to complete a preliminary screening before submitting a formal application. Once submitted, qualifying applicants must provide income verification documentation and undergo a mandatory inspection of their heating system to verify the need for replacement. All installations must be performed by licensed professionals to ensure compliance with local safety standards.

October 28, 2026: The Hope Through Heat program officially launched and began accepting applications.

The Home Front

This program follows the established trend of using federal housing grants to address deferred maintenance in urban residential stocks. It specifically targets the critical repair needs of low-income homeowners to prevent home habitability issues.

Check if your household income falls at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income and verify your heating system is currently non-functional. Contact the program for support or to request a paper application if you cannot access the digital portal.

The takeaway

Qualifying Fort Wayne residents should apply as soon as possible, as grants are processed on a first-qualified, first-served basis. For those needing additional support during the application process, call 260-427-8585 for paper forms or 260-426-6764 for language assistance.