Aging homeowners in Philadelphia face unique challenges. The costs of owning a home can quickly add up — from homeowners insurance to property taxes and maintenance costs. The city’s homeowners have some of the highest repair costs in the country. Recent data shows that about 33% of owner-occupied homes in the area need repairs, with an average repair cost of $3,578. Given such a huge financial burden, it’s no surprise that many seek free home repairs for senior citizens in Philadelphia.
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Philadelphia is one of the older cities in the country—it’s where the Declaration of Independence was signed, so its existence goes hand in hand with the establishment of this country. It’s rich with history but also ripe with older homes. Many affordable properties available to low-income Philadelphia residents are these older houses. Older homes come with some positive traits, such as character and charm, but they also typically require more maintenance and significant renovations to become liveable.
This presents a particularly difficult challenge for Philadelphia seniors who may require even more modifications to make their homes accessible. Features like pull bars, ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and additional railings can make all the difference for an aging resident.
However, all hope isn’t lost for senior homeowners in Philadelphia. Programs that offer help with home repairs or modifications can provide the help needed to keep living in a home as you get older. Senior Philadelphia residents only need to know where to look. We’ve got a guide to some of the best programs in the city that can help without requiring the homeowner to pay a dime. Let’s get into it.
Free home repair programs available for senior citizens in Philadelphia
Good news: Philadelphia has a wide variety of services and programs available to give aging residents and homeowners a hand. However, it can be difficult to track down the right programs to help you get free home repairs. Don’t worry. We’ve outlined the most helpful home repair programs for senior citizens in Philadelphia right here, so you can find what you need in one place.
PCA’s Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program (SHARP)
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) introduced a program for low-income seniors in Philadelphia, which provides minor home repairs and modifications. Repairs through SHARP may include installing railings, intercoms, or grab bars and repairing or replacing wooden basement steps, electrical fixtures, leaky faucets, and toilets.
After a thorough home evaluation, the PCA provides quality repairs according to homeowners’ needs. Inspections are done both before and after repairs are completed to ensure the project meets the homeowner’s standards and the city’s regulations.
Who’s Eligible: Philadelphia homeowners over the age of 60 with a structurally sound home can take advantage of this program. For services to be free, residents must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. If residents have an income higher than this, they may still be eligible for the services on a cost-sharing basis.
Heater Hotline
Year-round, eligible homeowners in Philly can take advantage of the Heater Hotline. The service provides free preventative maintenance for heaters and heater cleanouts for homeowners. Heater cleanouts, however, are only available during the Spring and Summer months. Oil burners, gas valves, thermostats, and chimneys are a few of the heating-related home parts that are eligible for repair through the program.
Interested homeowners can call the Heater Hotline at (215) 568-7190 for more details.
Who’s Eligible: The Heater Hotline is available to Philadelphia homeowners who own and occupy a single-family home and have incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level.
The Adaptive Modifications Program
Seniors with permanent disability can receive help with home modifications for more independent living through the Adaptive Modifications Program. Administered by the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC), this program is available to anyone who owns a structurally sound home or lives in a rental unit where the owner allows modifications.
The modifications give residents the freedom to live more independently in their homes. Some of the improvements provided by the program include railings, exterior wheelchair ramps and lifts, and widened doorways.
To apply, you must fill out an application form and submit it online, by mail, or over the phone.
Who’s Eligible: Philadelphia residents with a permanent disability may apply. They must live in a structurally sound property and either own the home or have permission from the owner for modifications. The property owner must be up-to-date on property taxes and meet the income requirements, which are calculated using gross income and differ depending on the number of people in the household. Find the full income guidelines on the official website.
Basic Systems Repair Program
Another program administered by the PHDC, the Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) provides emergency electrical, plumbing, heating, and roofing repairs to eligible Philadelphia homeowners. Repairs may include leaking or broken sewer lines, dangerous electrical conditions, and roof leaks.
Eligible Philadelphia homeowners can apply by mail, online, or phone. They must provide basic personal information and proof of the emergency.
It’s important to note that if you need heater repairs, they recommend you call the Heater hotline first.
Who’s Eligible: Philadelphia homeowners who live in the damaged property and do not own any other properties can apply. They should meet the gross income requirements by household size and be up-to-date on property taxes and their water bill.
Restore, Repair, Renew Program
Restore, Repair, Renew, an initiative of the City of Philadelphia, is administered by participating lenders. While not free, the program provides eligible Philadelphia homeowners with low-interest loans to invest in their properties. Eligible improvements include water heater replacements, HVAC repairs or replacements, electrical repairs, and mold or lead paint treatments.
Residents can find out if they are eligible by calling or emailing to start the screening process. If eligible, the program will help participants with financial counseling, planning the repairs, and finding a contractor.
Who’s eligible: Philadelphia residents with a primary residence needing repairs can apply. Applicants must also have a credit score above 580, homeowners insurance, and no L&I violations. They should be up-to-date on all public utilities and property taxes.
Middle Neighborhoods Initiative
Providing repairs and revitalization to middle-income, oft-overlooked neighborhoods, the Middle Neighborhoods Initiative works block by block in eligible areas. The program uses in-house contractors and subcontractors to offer free household fixes to aging homeowners, including energy efficiency improvements, systems and structural repairs, and accessibility improvements.
The Middle Neighborhoods Initiative works in chunks, so residents must have at least 10 eligible homeowners needing repairs on their block to apply.
Who’s eligible: Homeowners 55 or older who own and occupy their home are qualified for the free service. Homeowners must be present on all repair days and meet the income eligibility guidelines by household size. Each block of homeowners that apply must have a block captain to gather each individual application.
CAPABLE Program
Philadelphia older adults who have difficulty completing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) may find assistance through the CAPABLE program. Minor home modifications may be part of the program if needed.
The program has a holistic approach to providing home modifications. Participants first work with both a registered nurse and an Occupational Therapist. Together, they identify challenges for daily living, set goals, and make an improvement plan. Some self-care goals for participants include getting the mail, doing laundry, or walking up and down stairs.
Interested participants can fill out the form on the website to get more information and find out how to apply.
Who’s eligible: Adults 60 years or older living in Delaware, Philadelphia, or Montgomery counties may apply. Applicants should have trouble completing at least one ADL and have an income under 250% of the federal poverty level.
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