These 9 Programs Offer Free Home Repairs For Senior Citizens in Philadelphia
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.
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.
