ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Lehigh County is seeking millions to help low- and middle-income homeowners afford needed home repairs through the recently created Whole Home Repair Program.
At a meeting of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, board Chairman Geoff Brace said the county is applying for $2.7 million through the program.
- Lehigh County plans to apply for $2.7 million in state grants through the Whole Home Repair Program
- The newly created program offers grants for low- and middle-income homeowners
- The funds are intended to remove health hazards from homes, make properties more energy efficient and help provide accessibility for those with physical disabilities
“There are still some details to be ironed out, but the application will be submitted by the end of January,” Brace said.
Through the program, homeowners can get a grant of up to $50,000 to address health hazards, such as removing lead paint in older homes or improving water or energy efficiency and making properties accessible for those with physical disabilities.
Overall, Pennsylvania has set aside $125 million for the program.
Brace, however, expressed concern that the $2.7 million figure for which the county plans to apply for could be “limiting in the number of properties that get funded,” as only about 50 projects would receive a grant if each project is provided the full $50,000.
“I expect that there’s going to be far more demand for this program than there will be awards that are made for individual properties,” the commissioner warned.
It’s a concern that was shared by Maria Ocasio, the Lehigh Valley field coordinator for PennFuture, a statewide environmental advocacy group.
"There is a great need for this project and a great need for this funding,” Ocasio told the board.
“I expect that there’s going to be far more demand for this program than there will be awards that are made for individual properties."Lehigh County commissioner Geoff Brace
According to Ocasio, in Allentown, more than 60% of housing could have a “high likelihood” of lead and asbestos within the construction.
She asked Brace how it might be determined where these funds go.
Brace said the county plans to work with the Department of Community and Economic Development, and he expects the county’s outreach coordinator, Yorman De La Rosa, to be involved, as well.
“I anticipate that he’ll be pretty busy with this type of effort,” Brace said.
The county has until the end of January to apply for the funds. The state expects to deliver the grants this year.
