Philadelphia’s senior population has jumped by 20% over the last decade, making people over 65 the fastest-growing group in the city. For many, keeping their homes in good shape is a constant challenge. Repairs are often urgent to keep the house safe and comfortable, but money is often tight. With nearly 60% of homes in Pennsylvania built before 1970, older homes need extra care. But fortunately, there are programs offering free home repairs for senior citizens in Philadelphia.
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Free home repair programs can give seniors the help they need to stay in their homes safely as they get older, with some even covering modifications to improve accessibility. The tricky part, however, is just knowing where to find them. So we’ve put together a guide to some of the best programs in the city that won’t cost you a thing.
Free home repair programs for senior citizens in Philadelphia
You don’t have to choose between safety and affordability when it comes to home repairs. In Philadelphia, free programs are available to help older residents maintain and modify their homes. They cover essential fixes and upgrades that make homes safer and more comfortable.
Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program (SHARP)
The Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program (SHARP) helps Philly homeowners 60 and older with small home fixes and modifications. Run by the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, the program covers things like replacing exterior doors and locks, rebuilding basement steps, repairing plumbing issues, and swapping out electrical switches, outlets, and fixtures.
Who’s eligible: You must own your home and meet income requirements.
Heater Hotline
Year-round, eligible homeowners in Philly can take advantage of the Heater Hotline. The service provides free preventative heater maintenance and 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.
Who’s eligible: You need to live in and own the house (and not own any other properties), have a heating system that needs fixing, not a full replacement, and meet income limits at or 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: You must have a permanent disability and must live in a structurally sound property to qualify. You either own the home or have permission from the owner for modifications. You must also 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.
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: You live in a damaged property and do not own any other properties. You must meet the gross income requirements by household size and be up-to-date on property taxes and your 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, repair planning, and contractor selection.
Who’s eligible: You must have a primary residence that needs repairs. You must also have a credit score above 580, homeowners’ insurance, and no Licenses and Inspections (L&I) violations. Moreover, you must 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: You must be 55 or older and own and occupy your home. You must be present on all repair days and meet the income eligibility guidelines by household size. Each block of homeowners that applies must have a block captain to gather each 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: If you’re 60 or older and live in Delaware, Philadelphia, or Montgomery counties, you can apply. You’ll need to have some difficulty with at least one daily activity and meet the income limit of 250% or below the federal poverty level.
Help at Home (OPTIONS)
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) provides a wide range of services to aging adults wishing to stay in their homes through the OPTIONS program. Through this initiative, home modifications that offer safety and accessibility may be provided.
Services provided are free to those who meet the income requirements. Those with a higher income may still be eligible for assistance with a sliding payment scale based on income level.
Who’s eligible: If you’re a Pennsylvania resident age 60 or older and a U.S. citizen or legal resident, you can apply. You’ll also need to show that you have unmet needs that affect your daily life.
Shared Housing and Resource Exchange
Homeowners over 60 years old in Philadelphia who have extra space can join the Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE). The program connects aging residents who need help around the home with adult home seekers who can assist them in exchange for low or no rent.
Aging homeowners with space to take on a tenant could use the program to find someone to help with repairs in exchange for a place to live. That’s a win-win situation.
Who’s eligible: If you’re 60 or older and have extra space in your Philadelphia home, you can join the network.
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Making a home
Getting the repairs you need to live a full and thriving daily life can make all the difference. If you need repairs, review the programs we’ve compiled to see if there’s something that can help.
If you are an aging Philadelphia resident looking to skip repairs and sell your home, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can provide a cash offer on your home and take the stress and uncertainty out of selling.
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