There are several grants available to Philadelphia residents to make home improvements.
Making home improvements can help raise a home's value. It can also help homeowners save money. When pipes are repaired or new windows are put in, it makes a home more energy-efficient and lowers utility bills. Low-income homeowners living in Philadelphia can select from several grants that can be used towards needed home improvements.
Types
Philadelphia residents should determine which kind of grant will be best for their home improvement needs. Some, such as the one sponsored by the city's Preservation Alliance, are geared towards low-income residents living in homes or communities designated as "historic." Others, including the grants awarded by the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, are for various low-income homeowners, including the elderly and the disabled.
Benefits
Receiving a home improvement grant benefits low-income Philadelphia homeowners and the community in several ways. When all of the homes in a neighborhood are properly maintained, the values of homes in the neighborhood appreciate, or increase. This can make it possible for a homeowner to get a higher price for his home should he decide to sell. In historic neighborhoods, completing home improvement projects helps to preserve the character of a neighborhood, which can bring more residents and businesses to a community. Repairing faulty electrical systems makes a home safer for its occupants.
Features
Home improvement grants for low-income Philadelphia homeowners can be used in several ways. A homeowner who lives in a historic property may opt to restore a porch, replace windows or fix a roof. Grants can be used by Philadelphia's low-income homeowners to upgrade plumbing systems or shore up walls that are not structurally sound. Adding insulation and weatherproofing doors and windows can help keep a home cool in the summer and warm through the winter.
Application Procedures
Philadelphia low-income homeowners who wish to receive grant assistance will need to provide proof of home ownership. Proof of income is also required, and acceptable income varies depending on family size. For example, a Philadelphia homeowner who resides in a historic property cannot have an income that exceeds $55,050 per year for a family of four. A family of four who applies for basic home repair assistance from the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation cannot have an income greater than $2,794 per month, according to their website in 2011.
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