Some residences in Philadelphia benefit from grants for the preservation of historic buildings.
Philadelphia is among America's oldest cities, so it is not surprising that some grants available to Philadelphia homeowners are connected to the historic value of the property and the funders' desire to preserve historic city properties. Other grants are targeted toward low-income homeowners and first-time buyers.
Grant for Historic Home Repairs
The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, or PAGP, gives grants to low- to middle-income homeowners who cannot afford to make needed repairs on their historic properties. As of 2010, PAGP had administered nearly $1.5 million in city funds in its Historic Properties Repair Program. The grant money must go toward historically correct exterior repairs. Eligible homeowners must meet income requirements, and own and occupy the property to be repaired. The home must qualify as an official historic property or exist within one of Philadelphia's 70 historic districts. Grant amounts range from $1,500 to $20,000, and are intended to pay for the difference in cost between a standard repair, such as replacing a crumbling handrail with modern cast iron, and an historically accurate repair, such as having an authentically designed wooden replacement installed.
Grants for First-Time Home Purchases
Philadelphia's Office of Housing and Commercial Development distributes settlement-assistance grants for first-time home buyers. The $500 grants can go toward closing costs for your first home purchase. A couple applying for a settlement grant must have a combined annual income of less than $50,150 and must complete a home ownership counseling course, as of 2010.
The agency also funds the American Dream Downpayment Initiative, which provides a down payment grant of 6 percent or up to $10,000 -- whichever amount is less -- to first-time home buyers. If you live in your ADDI-funded residence for more than 15 years or sell the home to a qualifying low- to moderate-income-earning buyer, you do not have to repay the grant money.
Grants for Low-Income Homeowners
The Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation funds a Basic Systems Repair Program that pays for electric, plumbing, heating and, in some cases, roofing repairs of owner-occupied Philadelphia homes. The income limit for a couple to be eligible for a repair grant is $1,821 per month. The total repair grant amounts range from $4,000 to $17,500, depending on the income level of the recipients.
The Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program funds specific home repairs for seniors, such as replacement of exterior doors and locksets, with special consideration given to low-income Philadelphians over 75 years of age who live by themselves.
Weatherization Grants
In November 2009, Philadelphia received nearly $30 million from the federal government's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act designated for a weatherization-assistance program for Philadelphia homeowners. To qualify for a weatherization grant, your home must be a high energy consumer and your income must fall below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or $2,518 per month for a couple, as of 2010. Weatherization funds can be used to replace ill-fitting windows and doors; wrap water heaters, pipes, and heating ducts with insulation; and air-seal the structure to prevent heat loss.
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