SAFE Housing, Inc., a nonprofit organization, offers free home repairs to income-qualified homeowners in Adams County, Pennsylvania, and parts of Maryland. The organization aims to assist residents in maintaining safe and habitable homes through various repair programs.
Eligibility for SAFE Housing services requires homeowners to meet specific criteria. Applicants must reside in Adams County, have lived in their homes for at least three years, own no other real estate, and intend to stay in their homes for at least two more years. Additionally, applicants must qualify as low-to-moderate-income, with household earnings below 80% of the area median income, and provide documentation proving homeownership and income status.
Upon receiving a complete application, SAFE Housing staff will conduct a thorough assessment of the necessary repairs. Projects selected for repair are enrolled in one of three core programs:
1. Safe at Home: Focuses on critical repairs to improve habitability and safety, such as addressing structural damage, water heater and furnace issues, roof damage, plumbing and electrical problems, standing water, and mold, lead, or asbestos remediation.
2. Warm & Dry: Provides weatherization services to enhance energy efficiency and comfort during harsh weather conditions. This includes insulation, sealing windows and doors, and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances.
3. Age in Place: Offers functional modifications to enhance safety and independence for aging adults and individuals with disabilities. Examples include installing grab bars, building ramps, ensuring wheelchair accessibility, and adding non-slip flooring.
Applicants must complete Section 3 of the application, the Household Income Worksheet, and compare their total household income to the provided Income Eligibility Table to determine qualification. Completed applications and necessary documentation can be submitted to SAFE Housing, Inc. via mail at PO Box 136, East Berlin, PA 17316, or through email at hello@safe-housing.org. For those who do not qualify, SAFE Housing strives to refer homeowners to other available home repair programs.
