Habitat seeks homes for emergency repair program

Applications due June 15 for those seeking fixes

With summer fast approaching, local officials are trying to get the word out about a countywide program to help those in need.

The Montgomery County chapter of Habitat for Humanity is now taking applications for its Critical Repair Program, which makes urgent repairs to local homes whose owners might not otherwise be able to afford them.

“This is designed to serve vulnerable populations including seniors, the disabled and/or veterans,” said Liz Hefner, Habitat Montco’s director of development and communications.

The Critical Repair Program started in 2014 in response to long waiting lists for low-cost home repairs, and repairs done under the program start with a budget under $15,000. Homeowners pay a portion of the cost based on a sliding scale, calculated using their income, payment plans and other factors.

“This program is not an emergency fix, and projects can take up to a year from application to complete the work. Repairs are often complex and involve multiple systems in the home,” Hefner said.

Homeowners who receive repairs under the program are also required to do at least eight hours of “sweat equity,” Habitat’s term for working on their own project. That can take the form of doing so with a hammer or paintbrush or through other methods like spreading awareness of Habitat programs, volunteering in their offices or at the agency’s ReStore, where new and used furniture, tools and appliances are sold.

As of June 2016, Habitat Montco has completed 35 home repairs throughout Montgomery County, including fixes to roofs, porches, heaters, electrical and plumbing systems, grab bars and wheelchair ramps.

To qualify for the program, one must be a homeowner in Montgomery County, be unable to afford and/or perform the needed repairs, make between 20 and 80 percent of the median income for county residents based on your household size, be current on all mortgage and property tax payments, have a current homeowners’ insurance policy and be able to afford at least part of the repair cost.

Since the program began, Norristown has been the leader with 15 critical repair projects completed, while Hatfield has had four, Schwenksville two and 11 other municipalities, including Lansdale, have had one project done.

Applications for this season must be submitted by June 15, and those who apply must fill out an application form detailing their ownership situation, the repairs needed and income and debt information. Applications will be removed from consideration if a safety concern is present such as hoarding, drug or alcohol use, large numbers of pets, the presence of mold, structural damage or unsecured guns or other weapons.

Habitat Montco is constantly looking for land to do home building projects, and anyone who knows of land available for home building is asked to contact Habitat Montco Executive Director Marianne Lynch at mlynch@habitatmontco.org

Those interested in getting involved in other ways are always welcome, whether for hammering and painting or helping out with other skills, like putting in time loading, cleaning or operating a cash register at Habitat Montco’s ReStore on Foundry Road in West Norriton.

“We need construction volunteers to help with our home repairs and home building, we need volunteers to help in our ReStore, we need volunteers to serve on committees and we need volunteers to serve as financial coaches for the families we serve,” said Hefner.

“We always need volunteers and have a wide range of opportunities available,” she said.