Jefferson County Housing Rehabilitation Program

How it works

Jefferson County’s Department of Development runs the Jefferson County Housing Rehabilitation Program to help homeowners make needed repairs to their homes. The county says the program has been operating for about 34 years and is funded through competitive grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, including the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program and the state Housing and Community Development Program, plus other sources. The county says there is currently an extensive waitlist, and funding is distributed first-come, first-served by moving through that waitlist as homeowners remain eligible.

What the money covers

The county says the program addresses code deficiencies as well as health and safety concerns, and every home must be brought up to minimum code standards. Examples of common repairs listed by the county include electrical system upgrading and repairs, plumbing and heating repairs or replacement, repairing broken windows and doors, structural defects, roof repair or replacement, gutters and downspouts, porches, steps, and handrails. If funds permit, siding and replacement windows may also be included. Cosmetic items and room additions are not allowed.

Amounts and matching

The page does not give a dollar cap. For households with total annual income at or below 80% of the county median income, the county says an interest-free deferred forgivable loan is available with no payments. The loan is forgiven over five years, at 1/60 per month.

How to apply

Applicants must contact the Jefferson County Department of Development to be added to the waiting list or to get more information. The page lists the department’s phone number as the application contact.

Timing and deadlines

The county does not list a deadline. It says the program is currently backed up by a substantial waitlist and funding is handled in waitlist order as resources become available.