Luzerne County Braces for Overwhelming Response to New Home Assistance Program
Luzerne County in Pennsylvania is initiating a new program aimed at assisting income-eligible homeowners in preserving their aging homes. The “Whole-Home Repairs Program” is expected to be highly sought-after, with a demand that surpasses the available funding. Applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
This program has been funded with $3.24 million allocated by the state from its federal American Rescue Plan receipts. It offers up to $24,999 per structure to cover necessary repairs. To provide homeowners with detailed information about eligibility requirements and the application process, a public announcement has been prominently posted on the county’s official website, luzernecounty.org.
Interested homeowners have a limited window to apply, as applications will only be available from June 20 until June 30, with no exceptions. The application can be accessed and printed online or obtained from the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) offices in Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton. CEO has been entrusted with administering the program on behalf of the county.
For in-person submission of completed applications, homeowners are encouraged to visit one of CEO’s offices, which are open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Their locations are 165 Amber Lane in Wilkes-Barre and 100 W. Broad St., Suite 11, in Hazleton. Additionally, inquiries can be made by contacting CEO at 1-800-822-0359.
Applicants are advised that completed applications will only be accepted for a brief five-day period, specifically from July 10 through July 14. It is crucial to submit the application within this timeframe, and in-person submission at one of CEO’s offices is strongly recommended. The agency emphasizes that applications received outside of this specified period will not be accepted.
To ensure compliance, submitted applications will be reviewed to verify the submission of all required documents. Upon completion of the review process, applicants will receive a date/time-stamped notification confirming the acceptance of their application. The processing and prioritization of applications will be based on the order in which they are received and deemed complete.
Eligibility for the program requires homeowners to own and reside in a single-family structure, which includes manufactured homes, while remaining up-to-date with all real estate tax payments. The provided funding must be utilized for repairs or projects that enhance health, safety, habitability, energy or water efficiency, or accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
The annual gross income must fall below specific limits based on household size, with monthly and annual thresholds outlined for each category.
While the current allocation may not fully address the community’s needs, County Community Development Director Andrew Reilly expressed hope for future annual allocations from the state. He acknowledged that some applicants may not require the full $25,000, which allows the county to assist more homeowners. Reilly assured that they would work through the list until the funds are exhausted.
CEO emphasized the significance of the program, recognizing the challenges homeowners face in maintaining and repairing their homes during financially difficult times. Jennifer Warabak, CEO’s Executive Director, expressed eagerness in supporting Luzerne County homeowners through the application and repair process, anticipating significant benefits for homeowners. County Manager Romilda Crocamo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of safe and stable housing in building strong and successful communities.
Since the funding allocation was announced earlier this year, Reilly’s office has received numerous inquiries about the program. The Whole-Home Repairs program is considered a landmark investment in housing by the Pennsylvania legislature and aims to address critical repairs needed in one out of four homes in the state.
In addition to this program, Reilly’s office continues to offer the Emergency Home Rehabilitation Program, which supports income-eligible homeowners with emergency repairs. This separate initiative focuses on specific building issues that pose immediate dangers to the occupants’ health and well-being. The program is administered by CEO, and participating homes have liens placed on them for five years, with a gradual forgiveness of the loan annually until the debt is cleared.
Homeowners interested in the emergency repair program can contact Reilly’s office or visit the luzernecounty.org website for further details.
Luzerne County remains dedicated to securing funds that directly benefit residents and support housing initiatives, encouraging all eligible homeowners to apply. The new Whole-Home Repairs Program, along with the existing emergency repair program, aim to improve living conditions, strengthen neighborhoods, and enhance the overall well-being of homeowners in the county.
