COVID-19 ARPA Whole-Home Repairs Program

The Whole-Home Repairs Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to provide financial assistance for housing rehabilitation, energy efficiency improvements, and accessibility modifications. The program aims to address habitability and safety concerns, enhance energy and water efficiency, and make homes more accessible for individuals with disabilities. It also supports workforce development initiatives related to home repairs and construction. Funding is available to county-level agencies that will administer grants and loans to homeowners and small landlords. The program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the COVID-19 Response Restricted Account, with allocations determined by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Counties, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations selected by counties can apply for funding. For larger counties, the decision-making process for eligible applicants is determined by local executive authorities. Each county is guaranteed a minimum allocation of $200,000, with the potential for additional funds based on need and application demand. Funds may be used for grants to homeowners earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI) and loans to small landlords who rent affordable units. The maximum funding per unit is $50,000. Loans to small landlords must be secured with a mortgage and may be eligible for forgiveness if certain conditions are met, such as maintaining affordable rent increases and property ownership for 15 years. Additionally, program funds may cover administrative costs, technical assistance, and case management services, as well as investments in workforce development programs such as pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training. The application process requires submission through DCED’s Electronic Single Application (ESA) system, along with supporting documentation such as a project plan, cost estimates, and verification of eligibility. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Each applicant must demonstrate its capacity to administer funds effectively, ensure compliance with program guidelines, and coordinate with existing home repair initiatives. Grantees must comply with various regulatory and reporting requirements, including quarterly and annual reports documenting project outcomes, participant demographics, and financial details. Compliance measures include adherence to nondiscrimination laws, conflict-of-interest policies, prevailing wage requirements, and federal audit standards. Grantees must also maintain records for financial transparency and accountability. For inquiries, applicants can contact the DCED’s Whole-Home Repairs Program office via telephone at 1-866-466-3972 or email at RA-DCWHOLHOMEREPPROG@pa.gov. The program aims to create a sustainable impact on housing conditions across Pennsylvania while supporting workforce development and economic stability for homeowners and landlords.