City of York Announces Home Upgrades for Seniors Grant Program

The City of York Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD), Bureau of Housing Services (BHS), will launch a new homeowner-housing program for older adults, beginning September 1, 2021. The City of York is pleased to announce its Home Upgrades for Seniors Grant Program (HUSGP), which offers qualified York City homeowners a one-time grant, not to exceed $7,500 per household. Through this Program, eligible homeowners, 62 and older, may be able to address necessary repairs and safety modifications to their homes, which could result in an opportunity to stay in their homes and age safely in place. Applicants interested in participating in the HUSGP program should contact Kim Walston, Housing Division of the York County Planning Commission (YCPC) at 717-771-9870 ext. 1750. Applications will be received on a rolling basis until funding for this program is exhausted.

To Qualify, Applicants Must:

• Be a resident of the City of York
• Legal/current owner and occupant of property on application; and must be the applicant’s primary residence
• Age 62 or over
• Be current on all City obligations/payments, including loans and real estate taxes
• Property must not be in jeopardy of foreclosure
• Household gross annual income may not exceed 80% of the area median income as established and published by HUD for the County of York.

The Program Provides Technical Support and Financial Assistance in The Form of A Grant and Will Address the Following Eligible Repairs:

1. Improvements that enable the elderly to maintain their residency in the dwelling (ex. Accessible ramps, bathroom accommodations, kitchen accommodations, etc.).
2. Repairs to eliminate health and safety deficiencies in the home (heating, air conditioning, mold/moisture, electrical, plumbing, roofing etc.).
3. Repairs to address municipal code requirements; and,
4. Needed repairs that will support the York County Weatherization Program by addressing home repairs that are required to make the home eligible for participation in the Weatherization Program.

All Eligibility and Processing Requirements Applicable to The Homeowners Rehabilitation Loan Program Shall Apply, in Addition to The Following: To Qualify, Participants Must:

1. Be a resident of the City of York
2. Legal/current owner and occupant (primary residence) of the home
3. Be age 62 or over
4. Be current on all City obligations/payments to include loans and real estate taxes
5. Property must not be in jeopardy of foreclosure
6. Household gross annual income may not exceed 80% of the area median income as established and published by HUD for the County of York.

In Addition, the Following Will Apply to The Grant Program:

1. Applicants with a reverse mortgage are eligible to participate.
2. Credit reports and title searches will not be completed.
3. Equity will not be required, and no appraisal of the property will be completed
4. Proof of homeowner’s insurance will not be required, however, flood insurance coverage, when applicable, is required.
5. Applicants, who qualify for both a loan and grant funding, would be extended grant funds to address qualifying repairs under the Grant Program.  If there are any additional deficiencies in the home identified that exceed the grant allowance maximum or is not qualifying repair under the Grant program, the applicant will have the opportunity to participate in the Loan Program.