PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania was the first state in the nation to fund a home repair program to keep families in affordable housing, but lawmakers failed to fund the program last year. Gov. Josh Shapiro is hoping to get it funded this year and, as part of the effort, he toured a West Philadelphia home that was saved through the program.
Dominique Young stood outside her Kingsessing rowhome with Shapiro and several state lawmakers Friday, recalling how she felt when she bought the home five years ago.
“I was so excited, the first-time home buyer experience, home shopping, surprising my kids with their new home,” she said.
The house was a surprise for her two sons. But within two years, issues started to arise.
“Home outlets blowing out, baseboard heaters going out. I had to even go to an Airbnb with my kids. The electricians and PECO couldn't figure out what the issue was,” Young said.
Young googled “emergency home repair” and found the Whole Home Repair Program.
“I filled out that application so fast, it wasn't even funny,” she said.
It turned out electrical issues were just the beginning. There were structural defects, too. But $33,000 in subsidized repairs later, Young now has a new HVAC system, sturdy floors, solid walls, and a home in which she can raise her sons.
“When I tell you this program is such a blessing, I truly mean it,” Young said.
Shapiro says he wants to provide results like this for homeowners across the state, with the $50 million he put in the budget for Whole Home Repairs. He’s hopeful Republicans and Democrats will come together to fund the program in this year's budget.
“The Whole Home Repair Program is a smart investment and it works,” Shapiro said.
“As incredibly important as this is, and as incredibly bold as whole home repair was, it's also just common sense and it's the right thing to do.”
Shapiro said the program is seriously oversubscribed, with many more on the waiting list than it can currently serve, even as the state sits on a $14 billion surplus.