Zone A — Priority Ice Storm DR-4880 (Mar 2025)
Zone B 2023 Storms DR-4757 (Aug 2023)
Not designated
⚠️ Urban cores (Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor) are ineligible. Focus on rural townships, small towns, and unincorporated areas within each county. Confirm every address at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov before pitching the grant.
County Quick Reference
Click a county on the map or reference below
★ ZONE A — Ice Storm DR-4880
Alcona • Alpena • Antrim • Charlevoix • Cheboygan • Crawford • Emmet • Kalkaska • Mackinac • Montmorency • Oscoda • Otsego • Presque Isle
ZONE B — 2023 Storms DR-4757
Eaton • Ingham • Ionia • Kent • Livingston • Macomb • Monroe • Oakland • Wayne
Focus on rural townships within these counties — urban cores ineligible
⚡ March 2026 Tornado Watch: Branch, Cass, St. Joseph + others may receive a new FEMA IA declaration (Gov. Whitmer requested). If approved, this opens a Zone C — watch disasterassistance.gov for updates.
Door-Knocking Playbook
Hit these homes first:
- Owner-occupied homes (must own AND live there)
- Visible roof damage from the street — missing shingles, tarps, sagging sections, damaged gutters
- Rural setting — outside city limits, small towns, townships, rural routes
- Manufactured/mobile homes qualify too
- Homes where damage appears unrepaired — deferred maintenance, patches
- Older homes on modest lots — likely income-eligible
Skip these:
- Renters (they don't own the home)
- Properties inside city limits of Grand Rapids, Detroit, Lansing, etc.
- Clearly high-income homes (not income-eligible)
- Commercial properties
- ✅ Up to $32,420 — no repayment. Grant, not a loan.
- ✅ For very-low income (under 50% AMI) and low income (under 80% AMI)
- ✅ Home must be in a USDA-eligible rural area
- ✅ Damaged in a presidential disaster declaration since 2022
- ✅ Deadline: April 30, 2026 — first-come, first-served
- ✅ Homeowner chooses their own contractor (no USDA lock-in)
- ✅ Prior repair costs may be reimbursed if documented
- ✅ Very-low income may also qualify for Section 504 Loans + Grants
Contractor requirements (ARS already meets these):
- Valid contractor license
- Detailed written estimate (labor, materials, quantities)
- Pass USDA Do Not Pay Portal check
Step back 2-3 feet from door. Badge visible. Smile.
"Hi, my name is [NAME] with Arrow Roofing Services. I'm not here to sell you anything today — I'm going door-to-door in [COUNTY] to make sure homeowners know about a federal grant program most people have no idea exists. Do you have 60 seconds?"
Wait for yes. Then:
"The USDA — the U.S. Department of Agriculture — has set aside grant money specifically for homeowners in this area who had property damage from the [2023 storms / 2025 ice storm]. It's called the Rural Disaster Home Repair Grant. It covers up to $32,420 in repairs — and it does NOT need to be paid back. Zero repayment. It's a straight grant."
Pause. Let it land. Then qualify:
"Were you living here when the storms came through? Did your home take any damage — roof, gutters, windows, anything like that?"
If yes — introduce ARS role:
"What we do at Arrow Roofing is help homeowners navigate the entire process — we make sure your documents are complete, your contractor bids are in order, and your file moves quickly. You don't have to figure this out alone."
The close:
"Can I take down your name and contact so we can run a full eligibility check and get the paperwork started? The deadline is April 30th and it's first-come, first-served — so the sooner we start, the better your spot in line."
"Hi! I'm [NAME] with Arrow Roofing Services. I'm in the neighborhood letting homeowners know about a USDA grant program that's active right now for Michigan rural homeowners who've had storm or disaster damage since 2022. The grant covers up to $32,000 and it's completely free — not a loan. A lot of people don't know this exists, and the deadline is April 30th. Did your home happen to take any damage from storms or flooding in the last couple of years?"
If no: "Got it. If you know of any neighbors who had damage, pass this along. Here's our card." [Leave door hanger]
"Hi! I'm [NAME] with Arrow Roofing Services. We're specifically looking for manufactured homeowners in rural Michigan who've had storm damage since 2022. There's a federal USDA grant — up to $32,000, no repayment — and manufactured homes qualify. Do you have a second to see if you might be eligible before the April 30th deadline?"
Ask conversationally — not like a checklist.
- 1. "Do you own this home, or are you renting?" — Must be owner-occupied.
- 2. "Did you experience any storm damage, flooding, or other disaster damage in the last couple of years — even if it felt minor?"
- 3. "Did you ever get that repaired, or is it still something you've been dealing with?"
- 4. "Are you within city limits or outside of town?" — Must be rural.
- 5. (Tactfully) "This program is designed for working families and retirees with tighter budgets — not just people in poverty. Are you working-class or retired, or more on a fixed income?"
USDA limits vary by county and household size. These are approximate 2025 thresholds for 1-4 person households in rural Michigan.
| County | Very-Low (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Alcona | ~$27,050 | ~$43,250 |
| Alpena | ~$27,050 | ~$43,250 |
| Antrim | ~$29,000 | ~$46,350 |
| Charlevoix | ~$30,500 | ~$48,750 |
| Cheboygan | ~$27,050 | ~$43,250 |
| Crawford | ~$27,050 | ~$43,250 |
| Emmet | ~$32,000 | ~$51,200 |
| Kalkaska | ~$27,050 | ~$43,250 |
| Kent | ~$34,150 | ~$54,600 |
| Monroe | ~$38,600 | ~$61,750 |
| Wayne | ~$38,600 | ~$61,750 |
Source: Approximate based on HUD AMI data. Verify at rd.usda.gov/data-reports/income-limits. Household size increases limits significantly — a 4-person household threshold is ~25% higher than 1-person.
Handle Every Pushback
"I already got FEMA money."
This grant has a no-duplication-of-benefits rule, but FEMA and USDA can coexist as long as they cover different costs. If insurance or FEMA left gaps, the USDA grant may cover them. Our office can sort it out.
"I already fixed my roof out of pocket."
Great news — the grant covers costs incurred BEFORE the application date. If you have receipts documenting disaster-related repairs, you may be reimbursed. Worth checking.
"I don't think I qualify — we make too much."
Income limits are higher than most people expect, especially for larger households. And the limits vary by county — rural Michigan limits are often more generous. Let us run the numbers before you assume you're out.
"I rent this house out."
Unfortunately this program requires the homeowner to live in the home. If you have a personal residence that took damage, that one may qualify. Do you?
"I heard the deadline passed."
The current deadline is April 30, 2026 and the program is still actively accepting applications. But funding is first-come, first-served — every day matters.
"Is this a scam?"
Completely fair to ask. This is a real USDA federal program — you can verify it at rd.usda.gov. We're Arrow Roofing Services based in Monroe. The free inspection requires zero payment or credit info from you. Look us up at arrowroofingservicesllc.com.
"I need to talk to my spouse/partner first."
Of course. Can I come back when they're home, or leave materials you can both review? The deadline is April 30th — sooner is better since funds are first-come, first-served.
"I have insurance — I'll use that."
Insurance and the USDA grant can cover different costs — there's no duplication as long as you're not double-paid for the same repair. If your deductible or coverage gaps left anything uncovered, this grant may fill it.
"I'm not interested in roofing sales."
I'm not here to sell you a roof today. The inspection is free, no commitment, no pressure. My only goal right now is to make sure you know this program exists before the deadline. That's it.
Application Process — 7 Phases
Phase 1 • Days 1-3
Pre-Qualification
- Verify address on USDA eligibility site: eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov
- Confirm disaster declaration covers their county (DR-4757 or DR-4880)
- Estimate household income against USDA limits by county
- Document damage with photos (roof, siding, structure)
- Contact USDA MI State Office: 3001 Coolidge Rd, Suite 200, East Lansing, MI 48823 • 517-324-5190
Phase 2 • Days 3-14
Document Assembly
Homeowner gathers:
- Government-issued ID
- Recorded deed or property tax statement (proof of ownership)
- Last 1-2 years federal tax returns
- Recent pay stubs or benefit award letters (SS, pension)
- List of monthly debts/obligations
- Photos of storm damage
- Prior repair receipts (retroactive reimbursement possible)
ARS provides:
- Detailed written estimate (labor, materials, quantities, specs)
- Contractor license documentation
USDA Forms needed: RD 410-4, RD 3550-1, RD 3550-4, Attachment 12-E Checklist
Phase 3 • Days 14-21
Submission ⏱ Timestamp Matters
- Submit complete packet to USDA Rural Development office in person, by mail, or digitally
- Applications are timestamped and processed in ORDER RECEIVED
- Get case number confirmation
- Must submit before April 30, 2026 — processing/disbursement continues after if funding remains
Phase 4 • Days 21-51
USDA Review
- 30-day window for USDA eligibility determination
- If docs missing: 15 days to respond (30 days for contractor estimates)
- Roof damage causing water intrusion = health/safety hazard = priority processing
Phase 5 • Days 51-81
Grant Approval + Pre-Construction Conference
- Written approval notification received (Handbook Letter 12)
- Pre-construction conference within 30 days of approval
- ARS attends as contractor — scope, timeline, materials confirmed
- USDA records a junior lien on the property (standard)
Phase 6 • Days 81-100
Construction Begins — Draw 1 Released
- ~50% of grant funds released at construction start
- ARS completes roof repairs per approved scope
Phase 7 • Days 100-120+
Final Inspection + Draw 2 — Project Complete
- USDA final inspection and approval
- Remaining funds disbursed to complete payment
- Grant signed — no repayment required unless home sold within 3 years
Deadline Clarification: Applications submitted before April 30, 2026 continue to be processed and funded AFTER the deadline as long as funding remains available. Submit early — funding is finite and first-come, first-served.
USDA Michigan State Office
3001 Coolidge Rd., Suite 200, East Lansing, MI 48823
☎ 517-324-5190
Official program: rd.usda.gov
Eligibility check: eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov
Daily Metrics
Doors Knocked
0
Target: 40-60/day
Conversations
0
Target: 15-25/day
Qualifiers
0
Target: 5-10/day
Inspections Booked
0
Target: 3-6/day
Lead Capture
What to Carry
- ARS ID badge (visible at all times)
- Business cards
- Grant overview door hangers or flyers
- Phone/tablet with USDA eligibility site bookmarked
- Lead intake form (this app or paper backup)
- Photo-capable phone for exterior damage documentation
- Team lead's phone number saved
Key Resources
🏠 USDA Michigan State Office
3001 Coolidge Rd., Suite 200
East Lansing, MI 48823
☎ 517-324-5190
▶ Arrow Roofing Services
☎ (734) 212-0890
🔗 arrowroofingservicesllc.com