NORRISTOWN, PA — The Montgomery County Commissioners have launched the Whole Home Repairs Program (WHRP), a pioneering initiative designed to provide financial aid to homeowners in need of critical home repairs.
Administered by the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) under the Department of Health and Human Services, the WHRP will offer eligible homeowners grants of up to $50,000. The funds are intended to address safety concerns, enhance energy and water efficiency, and modify homes to be accessible for individuals with disabilities.
The program is a significant step towards providing support to Montgomery County’s low-income households, many of whom are forced to defer essential home repairs due to financial constraints. “A grant of up to $50,000 will allow homeowners to make their homes more structurally sound, energy efficient, accessible, and safe,” said Jamila H. Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.
This initiative is not only a response to the housing affordability crisis plaguing the county but also a proactive measure against the worsening impacts of climate change. “Our communities are experiencing both a housing affordability crisis and a climate crisis, and this initiative addresses both,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija. With the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events, the need for homes to withstand extreme weather and flooding has never been more urgent.
The WHRP aims to ensure that residents, particularly those in households with young children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, can maintain safe and functioning homes. “The impacts will be long-ranging: from lower utility bills today to updated housing stock for future generations,” added Commissioner Thomas DiBello.
Applications for the program are open from February 22, 2024, through April 12, 2024. Eligibility for the grants extends to homeowners whose household income does not exceed 80% of the area’s median income, which varies depending on the size of the household.
- 1 person – $62,500
- 2 person – $71,400
- 3 person – $80,350
- 4 person – $89,250
Given the limited availability of funds and anticipated high demand for the program, WHRP will employ a targeted, equitable prioritization process. Priority will be given to homes located within Justice40 census tracts, households with vulnerable populations such as young children, seniors, or individuals with disabilities, and older housing stock built pre-1940 and pre-1978.
OHCD will assess all applications and coordinate across the County’s existing home repair programs to ensure applicants are directed to the program most suitable for their needs. The goal is to target at least 100 to 150 homes to receive repairs, weatherization, and improvements, based on available funding.
The Whole Home Repairs Program is funded by appropriated federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). All funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024.
This program underscores Montgomery County’s commitment to addressing economic disparities and climate change simultaneously. By assisting low-income households in making their homes more resilient and efficient, the county is taking a significant step towards a sustainable and equitable future. As such, the Whole Home Repairs Program is more than just a housing initiative; it’s a testament to the power of innovative policies to create lasting change in our communities.
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