How about $10,000 for a new kitchen, or $2,000 for storm windows? This is just some of the money available from the hundreds of federal, state and local government programs as well as nonprofit organizations. Some even help pay your mortgage when times are tough! From my research, there are at least 150 government and nonprofit programs in any city nationwide that offer money to buy or fix up houses. While many are aimed at low-income families, there are some programs that consider you "disadvantaged' with an income of $80000! To learn about programs in your area, contact your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

counseling center at 800-569-4287 or www.hud.gov/
hsgcoun.html. Another source to help you identify available local programs is the Community Action Agency (CAA). If you can't find your local CAA office, contact your congressman or senator-they can direct you to these and other agencies.