DCED opens application for Whole-Home Repairs Program. Here’s what to know

By Marley Parish – Capital-Star

HARRISBURG, PA – Applications for a $120 million home repair program officially opened for Pennsylvania counties this week.

The Department of Community and Economic Development announced that Pennsylvania counties and eligible nonprofits can now apply for the Whole-Home Repairs Program, which passed with the most recent state budget and aims to address housing insecurity, safety, accessibility, and weatherization.

Neil Weaver, acting DCED secretary, said the program “will provide eligible homeowners and landlords across the state with critical home repair and weatherization assistance.”

“We urge counties to begin the application process as soon as possible so they can distribute these funds to those who need them the most,” Weaver said.

A county or designated entity can apply online until 5 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2023. DCED will review applications on a rolling basis.

Each county should receive a minimum allocation of $200,000. The program provides counties with funds to create or launch grant and loan programs to address housing repairs and safety concerns, improve energy or water efficiency, or make housing accessible for those with disabilities. Clinton County is eligible for $278,685.
Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Philadelphia, helped develop the program, saying last month that it was “born from the notion that no one should be denied a home that is safe, a home that is healthy, simply because they don’t have the resources they need to fix them.”

Counties must make assistance — up to $50,000 — available to homeowners whose household income does not exceed 80 percent of the median income and make loans available to small landlords renting affordable units and securing loans with a mortgage recorded against the residential property.

With the application program rolling out now, it will take time before eligible homeowners can apply for assistance.