Berks Home Repair Program: Submit Your Applications Now!
Berks County, in a concerted effort to support homeowners and small landlords struggling with essential home repairs, has introduced a program for the allocation of state funds to aid these individuals.
More than $3.6 million in funds, accumulated from a statewide initiative, will be distributed as loans in Berks County. These resources aim to assist homeowners and small landlords in carrying out necessary home repairs that span from smaller tasks, such as repairing a leaky roof, to major renovations required to maintain the habitability of older properties.
This county-level action follows the establishment of the Whole Home Repairs Program by state legislators in the preceding summer as part of the state budget allocation. An unprecedented $125 million was dedicated to this program, marking one of the most substantial investments in housing in contemporary times.
Through the program, homeowners and small landlords are provided with grants and loans, which are forgivable under certain conditions, for the purpose of addressing issues like drafty windows or exposed wiring. Additionally, the funding can be used for improvements that enhance energy efficiency or improve the accessibility of homes for residents with disabilities.
The Berks County Redevelopment Authority and Habitat for Humanity of Berks County will jointly manage the program at the local level. According to Josh Lewis, the Facilities and Housing Manager for the Authority, the program is intended to benefit homeowners who plan to reside in the improved property for a minimum of ten years. At the end of this decade, the loan is considered forgiven.
However, if a homeowner decides to sell a home that has benefited from the program within this ten-year period, a prorated amount based on the number of years the house was occupied will be due.
For landlords, the funding from the program is provided as a no-interest, deferred payment loan. There will be no requirement for payment as long as the original applicant remains the owner of the property, and the repaired units continue to be rented out to low-income tenants.
The Whole Home Repairs Program is open to homeowners who inhabit a single residential unit and whose income does not surpass 80% of the median income for the area. This equates to a single individual with an income of $50,800 or less, or a family of four with a combined income of $72,550 or less. Small landlords are also eligible for the program if they possess an ownership interest in no more than five properties and a maximum of 15 residential rental units, provided their tenants’ income does not exceed 60% of the area’s median income.
The program extends to a variety of repairs including new roofs, windows, doors, structural elements, sidewalks, curbs, and other major home systems. However, renovations and appliances are excluded from the scope of the program. Thus, activities such as replacing carpet with new flooring, or adding a new backsplash to a kitchen, are not covered. The minimum amount for a project under the program is set at $5,000.
Those interested in availing themselves of this assistance can find the application form and information regarding the submission of supporting documents on the Berks County Whole Home Repair website at bcwhrp.com.
