CRITICAL HEALTH AND SAFETY HOME REPAIRS
Pennsylvania’s Whole-Home Repairs Program
"Home should be the place where you feel safe, and now I have that"
The Policy
The Whole-Home Repairs Program, introduced by State Senator Nikil Saval in 2022, provides essential home repairs for low and moderate-income homeowners and small landlords in Pennsylvania. The program offers grants of up to $50,000 per property to fund critical repairs, energy efficiency improvements, and accessibility modifications, helping residents remain safely in their homes while lowering utility costs. The program also provides forgivable loans to small landlords who keep their rent affordable to tenants at 60 percent of the area median income. With an initial allocation of $125 million, the program also leverages federal funding sources such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program, and Medicaid funds to create a comprehensive strategy addressing Pennsylvania’s housing needs. Designed to appeal across political lines by focusing on stabilizing homeownership without mandating fuel-switching or engaging in cultural debates, the program has received bipartisan support.
The Strategy: How Did Pennsylvanians Win This Policy?
Senator Saval's team crafted the Whole-Home Repairs Program with a bipartisan approach, emphasizing community resilience and housing security. By engaging with stakeholders from existing federal programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program and incorporating their feedback, the program was designed to address inefficiencies in current systems. The program leveraged American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to ensure a substantial initial investment, and built on existing federal programs, making it a model that other states could replicate. The bill’s supporters also combined direct legislative advocacy with a media campaign and coalition-building to appeal to diverse audiences across the political spectrum. This approach included messaging strategies that resonated with different groups, such as employing phrases like "The Blight Stops Here" to reach conservative audiences.
The Law’s Impact
The Whole-Home Repairs Program is already making a meaningful difference across Pennsylvania, improving both the quality of life for individuals and the overall health of communities. With an initial allocation of $125 million, the program has enabled over 64 pilot programs across the commonwealth to provide essential home repairs and upgrades. These efforts have directly benefited thousands of homeowners, addressing critical needs that have often gone unmet due to financial constraints or bureaucratic hurdles.
For many Pennsylvanians, this program has been transformative. Lillian Woods, a 78-year-old homeowner in Indiana County, has lived in her home for 51 years. Over time, her home needed critical repairs, including fixing rotted windows and a leaking roof. After reaching out to the Indiana County Office of Planning and Development, she was connected to the Whole-Home Repairs Program. The repairs made her home warmer and safer by replacing the windows, installing a new roof, and adding a walk-in shower to improve accessibility. She expressed her gratitude for the help, stating, "I just can’t thank people enough for all the help I’m getting."
Kelly, another homeowner who benefited from the program, faced significant structural issues in her home, including a failing foundation and deteriorating roof. The program provided critical funding to stabilize her home, preventing it from further damage. "Home should be the place where you feel safe, and now I have that," she said. "I can relax in my house and not worry that it’s going to fall down on me. Now that I’ve gotten these repairs, I feel like I have a solid foot on the ground. I feel like I’m actually a homeowner because I’m here for good.”
Dominique, a first-time homebuyer and single mother, purchased her house with excitement, but soon faced significant challenges. Electrical issues began to emerge, causing baseboard heaters to fail during the winter, forcing her to rely on costly space heaters and even spend a night in an Airbnb to keep her family warm. Through the Whole-Home Repairs Program, Dominique received critical support to replace her kitchen floor, repair masonry, and install energy-efficient heat pumps. “This program is such a blessing,” she shared, as the repairs allowed her family to stay safe and comfortable while significantly reducing utility costs.
The program’s reach is growing, with 17 states looking to replicate its model. By combining federal and state resources effectively, Pennsylvania has set an example for how to address critical housing needs in a way that is both impactful and scalable. The Whole-Home Repairs Program not only provides a blueprint for other states but also demonstrates how strategic investment in housing can bring broader benefits to communities across the country.
Messaging Guidance: Words That Work
To replicate Pennsylvania's success, focus on messaging that emphasizes stabilizing homeownership, community resilience, and cost-saving energy efficiency without mandating controversial changes like forced fuel switching. Highlight how the program effectively utilizes diverse funding sources and simplifies processes for homeowners, maintaining bipartisan appeal. Effective messaging should underscore themes like "community health," "housing security," and "efficient use of resources." Utilize real-life stories from beneficiaries, such as Lillian, Kelly, and Dominique, to humanize the impact and build public support. Engage local stakeholders, including environmental groups, housing advocates, and community leaders, and use flexible language that resonates with different audiences, from progressive advocates to fiscal conservatives.
The Progressive Caucus Action Fund thanks the Office of Senator Nikil Saval for their comments and insights.
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