Legislators applaud budget’s investment in housing
Historic $125 million allocated for grants up to $50,000 for home repairs
Rep. Jordan A. Harris July 8, 2022
HARRISBURG, July 8 – Citing the drastic need to improve housing in communities around Pennsylvania and keep families in their homes, a group of legislators, including state Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Phila.; state Reps. Jordan Harris, House Democratic Whip, D-Phila.; Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny; and Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., hailed the hundreds of millions of dollars set aside in the state budget for home repairs and affordable housing.
Specifically, the Whole Home Repairs Program was included in the budget with $125 million for grants up to $50,000 for homeowners with household incomes not exceeding 80% of the area median income. Forgivable loans for landlords who meet certain requirements are also available. The grants can be used for habitability concerns, energy or water efficiency improvements, or accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
“The Whole Home Repairs Program is a direct investment in our people and our communities, whose needs have been ignored by their government for decades,” Saval said. “What we have done this year in Pennsylvania sets a new national standard, and I'm committed to fighting for every household to have what they need to make their home whole.”
“Working families spend their whole lives saving and investing to afford a house and this is going to help them keep it,” Harris said. “This is economic help for families that need it the most and will ensure that people can stay in the communities they grew up in and keep their homes in their family.”
"Housing is a human right,” Krajewski said. “Having the Whole Home Repairs funding included in the state budget is a huge step in ensuring that all Pennsylvanians have a safe, secure place to call home. This is transformative change that protects our communities from environmental wear and profit-driven overdevelopment."
“The passage of the Whole-Home Repair Act as part of the Pennsylvania budget will help ensure that every Pennsylvanian has a safe and healthy home,” Innamorato said. “We still have a lot of work ahead to address the affordable housing crisis in the state, but today is a good a day, and a victory for the people of Pennsylvania.”
The budget also includes $150 million for the Development Cost Relief Program, and $100 million for Affordable Housing Construction to help people remain in their homes and access affordable housing.