COVID-19 ARPA Whole-Home Repairs Program

The Whole-Home Repairs Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), under the authority granted by the General Appropriation Act of 2022 and the Fiscal Code. This initiative is designed to address pressing habitability and safety issues in residential housing across the Commonwealth, while also contributing to climate resilience and housing security. The program leverages federal funding from the COVID-19 Response Restricted Account to provide comprehensive support for homeowners and small landlords in need of essential home repairs, energy or water efficiency upgrades, and accessibility improvements for individuals with disabilities. The program provides direct funding to county governments, nonprofit organizations, or governmental entities designated by the counties. These entities are responsible for implementing local-level grant and loan programs. Eligible homeowners with household incomes at or below 80% of the area median income can receive grants, while small landlords offering affordable rental units may receive loans, secured through a mortgage on the property. Each grant or loan is capped at $50,000 per residential unit. In the case of landlords, loans may be forgiven under specific conditions including extended tenancy, controlled rent increases, tenant participation in housing voucher programs, and continued ownership without serious code violations over a 15-year period. In addition to repair-related funding, the program supports administrative costs, technical assistance, and systems development to improve coordination among existing home repair programs. Up to 4% of the awarded funds may be used for administrative purposes, while up to 10% can be allocated toward services such as case management, centralized application systems, legal and health service referrals, and program evaluation. The program also funds workforce development initiatives to support pre-apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs related to home rehabilitation. These include cash stipends for trainees and other implementation costs, with a requirement for county grantees to outline employer partnerships and trainee support in their project plans. Applications must be submitted through DCED’s Single Application for Assistance portal. Alongside the online application, required supplemental documents include a detailed project plan, draft guidance for loan forgiveness, cost estimates, and proof of designation from the relevant county authority. Applicants are evaluated on a rolling basis, with allocations per county based on a formula involving census metrics such as household income, unit age, and housing conditions. A minimum allocation of $200,000 per county is guaranteed. If counties do not apply within the open window, their funds may be reallocated to others that have submitted eligible applications. Reporting obligations for grantees are extensive. Quarterly and annual reports must include data on the number of units repaired, funding invested, application outcomes, demographic details of beneficiaries, and the reach of workforce development efforts. Grantees must also comply with nondiscrimination and worker protection laws, financial audit requirements, and prevailing wage standards for projects exceeding $25,000. These requirements ensure transparency, equity, and responsible use of public funds. Inquiries about the program can be directed to DCED via email at [email protected] or by calling 1-866-466-3972. Approved applicants receive a grant contract that outlines terms and payment procedures, including an advance payment request process. While the guidelines provide a robust framework for implementation, specific application deadlines are not stated in the document, and thus applicants should monitor the DCED website for open application windows and county-specific information.