HARP Program

Housing Acquisition, Repair & Preservation (HARP) Program

The HARP Program is a direct result of the 2021 Strong Neighborhoods Planning process. As a result of extensive community input, the WCDC is committed to supporting residents of Wilkinsburg around vacant property, stabilization, and preservation needs. In June of this year, the state awarded us with a PHARE grant to expand our programming. These funds are dedicated to supporting residents with the acquisition of vacant properties as well as their homeownership and maintenance needs.

For more information on vacant property acquisition and long-term estate planning, scroll down to sign up for a 1-1 conversation. For interest in Home Repair support, see below.

NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR HOME REPAIR

FAQ:

  • Who is this program for? This program is currently limited to Wilkinsburg homeowners and their primary residences. Preference will be given to those who have not received HARP funds in the past and to those in lower income brackets.
  • What does this program cover? HARP is aimed at keeping properties stabilized and is therefore focused on issues such as roof repair/replacement, gutter repair, window replacements, porch and walkway repair, and some landscape support. We will not cover anything in the interior.
  • Does this program cost money? Applicants are asked to commit to 10% of overall awarded amount with some hardship exemptions. The awards will not exceed $15,000 so the maximum amount expected from the applicant would be $1500. Please note that not all requested projects will be awarded and not all awarded projects will be awarded in full.
  • Will I receive funds directly? No, the WCDC will contract directly with the contractor assigned.
  • Can I pick my own contractor? No, the WCDC will partner directly with contractor teams who will be assigned to complete the work on each property as awarded. These groups have been vetted and are reputable groups with experience and are fully insured.
  • What happens next? After the application process closes, the WCDC will have contractors go to each property to review the issues and determine best course of action and provide an estimate. At that time, a stakeholder of community leaders will review and award the applications based on our funding limitations. Awardees will be notified before the end of the year with work anticipated for 2024.
  • Why are there income restrictions? Our funds are currently awarded by the state and come with these restrictions. We hope that as the program grows, we will find additional sources of funds and support more residents in various circumstances, so stay tuned!

Apply Today!

For more questions, please email evaine@wilkinsburgcdc.org with “HARP” in the subject line.

 

 

 

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Looking to acquire vacant property?

If you are interested in acquiring a blighted and vacant property in Wilkinsburg we can advise you on the options available. For eligible VPRP applications, the WCDC may be able to contribute to the acquisition costs. Please note that many avenues for acquiring vacant property may take up to 18 months.

Have you made plans for your property?

One of the biggest contributors to blight and vacancy is the lack of long-term planning for property after an owner passes away, making it difficult for someone in the future to take over and take care of the property over time. As a result, the WCDC is partnering with local attorneys, Kalmeyer & Kalmeyer, to provide residents with free estate planning.