Alternative Home Renovate & Accessibility Programs

We at PHFA strive to help borrowers find programs that fit their needs; however, some borrower's needs may be better met through other programs. Below is a list of additional grant and loan programs that may be able to help you fix your home or make it accessible.

PENNVEST Individual On-Lot Swage System Repair Program:

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has teamed with PHFA and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to offer this special funding program. This assistance is available to eligible homeowners who do not have access to a public sewage system and need to repair or replace their individual on-lot sewage disposal system. Information on eligibility requirements is available by contacting a PENNVEST Participating Lender or your local Sewage Enforcement Officer.

For Home Repairs and Accessibility Improvements:

Call your county or city, township or borough to see if they have forgivable loans available that you will not have to pay back if you meet the residency guidelines, as well as income limits and other criteria. Phone numbers can be found in the blue, government pages of your phone book. Try looking for a "Redevelopment Authority," a "Housing and Redevelopment Authority," "Weatherization Program," or a "Planning Office." If you do not find a listing similar to this for your local government or county, try the general information number and explain you need assistance with home repairs, accessibility modifications, or your specific housing issues.

If you live in a rural area, the U.S. Rural Development Agency (USRDA) has one percent loans up to $7,500. Call the state office at 717.237.2299 and ask for help to determine which regional office you should be contacting. There are ten Pennsylvania regional offices.

Local weatherization programs often provide grants for work that improves a home's warmth during the winter and overall energy efficiency. Your local weatherization program can be found by using the search function at http://sedawx.nonprofitoffice.com.

For Accessibility ONLY:

The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF): Call 1.888.744.1938 or go to their Web site: www.patf.us. PATF is committed to providing borrowers with low interest loans so they can afford home modifications and devices that make their lives easier, more productive, and more independent.

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED): Call 1.800.379.7448. The PA Accessible Housing Program provides grants to local entities to carry out home modification programs that enable low- and moderate-income persons with permanent disabilities to make their current home more accessible. For more information contact DCED or the Self Determination Housing Project (SDHP) at 1.877.550.7347.

Center for Independent Living: For help in finding that number cal the Pennsylvania Council on Independent Living at 717.920.0530 or check out their Web site at www.pcil.net.

JEVS Supports for Independence provides quality services that allow people who are disabled, aging, or both, to maintain their independence and lead productive, more fulfilling lives by helping them to manage and direct the delivery of their own care. For more information on programs available contact JEVS at 1.800.610.7910 or check out their Web site at www.jevs.org.

Also, there are two types of grants which are available to assist severely disabled veterans in adapting housing to their special needs. For more information on the Specially Adapted Housing Grant and the Special Home Adaptations Grant contact your local VA Regional Office at 1.800.827.1000 or check out their Web site at www.vba.va.gov.

For Additional Assistance:

For additional assistance, please contact your local Community Action (CA) program. Community Action Agencies assist families experiencing financial difficulties with many different types of help and referrals on a wide variety of concerns. The easiest way to find your local agency is to go to the Web site, www.thecaap.org/localagencies.html. You may also find your local agency in the phone book or you may call 717.233.1075 and request assistance in finding your local CA phone number.

For Less than Perfect Credit Scores:

The PHIL-Plus/Mini PHIL Home Improvement Loan helps Philadelphia homeowners with less-than-perfect credit get the funds to make emergency repairs or to do small projects for their home. For more information call the hotline at 215.523.9520 or check out their Web site at www.phila.gov.