West Chester, Pa (Octubre 8, 2024) – The Housing Partnership of Chester County (HPCC) will be able to help more seniors stay in their homes thanks to funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.

Comitta recently secured $50,000 in state grant funding for HPCC’s Senior Citizen Home Maintenance Program, which provides basic home maintenance, repairs, and access modifications for low-to-moderate income seniors.

The funding will help HPCC address a significant backlog of seniors in need of immediate home repairs and modifications to address safety concerns.

“In Chester County and across Pennsylvania, our senior citizen population is growing. And as more and more of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones move into their golden years, it’s important that they have the opportunity to stay in their own homes safely,” Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee said. “I want to thank the Housing Partnership of Chester County for supporting this program, as well as the agencies, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and senior centers that that assist our older residents.”

“Making safety repairs or mobility modifications can be daunting for many seniors. HPCC steps in to make the process easier by working with the construction team, managing progress, and answering questions along the way. HPCC clients can stay in their home safely without the financial stress and logistical burden of big repair or modification projects,” said Ken Hutton, HPCC Executive Director. “This grant provides critical capital to complete these projects so that our older adult clients can safely age in place.”

Administered by the HPCC on behalf of the Chester County Department of Community Development, the program serves eligible Chester County residents aged 65 and older who cannot afford necessary home repairs and modifications that are critical to them being able to stay in their homes. There is a $6,000 limit on work performed for each residence, which may include any type of home maintenance and repairs including, but not limited to, roof repair, heater installation, windows, decks, bathrooms, siding, etc.

Seniors who are interested in the program should contact Rob Malone, HPCC Director of Programs, at (610) 518-1522 x104 or [email protected].

Pennsylvania is home to one the highest populations of senior citizens in the nation. One in four residents are senior citizens and that is projected to grow to one in three Pennsylvanians by 2030.

According to Census data, senior citizens currently make up about 18 percent of Chester County’s population (up from approximately 13 percent in 2010).

Senator Comitta has consistently supported investments and policies aimed at helping seniors stay in their homes, including significantly expanding the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program, funding the Whole Home Repairs Program, and enacting “Aging Our Way,” the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s 10-Year Master Plan for Older Adults.

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