How can I help my 81 year old aunt get help with housing?

I too have heard of grants. DHs Aunt was able to get new windows and I think a new heater. But...she had to live in the house for at least 10 years or the money used would need to be returned. Something like that.

I have never heard of a township helping with repairs or building a home for someone. Your County Office of Aging may be able to help.

Have no idea what a pre-need policy is. Is this a policy that covers expenses after death? How big is it and does it have cash in value? I think I would question why that would have anything to do with her getting help. Even cash in value can't be much.

There is Senior housing subsidized by HUD. Rent is determined by how much your monthly income is. So if all you receive is SS and thats $1000 u would pay 30% of that in rent. Where I live they are pretty nice.

Lyonsdale, on your profile it’s that you are taking care of your dad. This post is about your Aunt.
So what exactly is your backstory?

Lyonsdale, my community used to apply HUD grant funds for emergency repairs to residents' homes.   Funds were granted on a fiscal year basis, and apparently it was first come, first serve once the new fiscal year began and funds were received.

I think it was the building department that administered these funds, but I don't recall for sure.

Habitat for Humanity also makes gratis repairs, sometimes including much more beyond the immediate repairs needed.   Some years ago I met people on a DIY forum who volunteered their services, including for some Methodist churches which at that time also provided some assistance.  Christmas in April is another organization that functions like the Habitat.

I don't know though whether or not these charitable organizations are still providing these services in the pandemic.

You might also check out the county's website to see what assistance it offers.  Ours provides low income loans for rehab.   I've gotten several offers from them, but after seeing one of their "contractors", I wouldn't let them on my property w/o the county providing high levels of liability coverage, not only for the workers but for me.    The one "contractor" I met was sloppy, didn't take safety precautions, and put his workers in danger.

Where does your aunt live? If this is in the US then it’s very rare for the city to repair a home even for senior citizens. Usually that sort of thing is provided by non profits. If she doesn’t meet the income & asset requirements then perhaps it’s time to sell the house as-is and help her to get in to assisted living or a nursing home.