The Three Main Philadelphia Home Repair Programs

As part of our Philadelphia senior resource guide, we explain the city’s three primary home repair programs. If you or your loved one need help fixing a home or making it safer, these programs offer free or low-cost solutions. Each serves a different need, from minor safety updates to major system replacements.

PCA SHARP (Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program)

The Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program (SHARP) is run by the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). PCA is Philadelphia’s Area Agency on Aging, located at 642 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130. This program focuses on minor repairs and safety modifications for older homeowners.

To qualify, you must be a Philadelphia homeowner age 60 or older. Your home must be structurally sound and have working utilities, including central heat. The program is free if your income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. If your income is higher, you may still receive services through cost-sharing.

SHARP covers specific repairs and modifications, including:

• Fixing doors, locks, leaky faucets, and toilets.
• Installing smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms.
• Repairing wooden basement steps.
• Adding grab bars, tub benches, hand-held showers, and railings.
• Installing intercoms.

You can apply by calling the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040. You can also apply by filling out the Request Assistance Form on the PCA website.

Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP)

The Basic Systems Repair Program provides free repairs for major home emergencies. Run by the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC), this program replaces or repairs dangerous electrical, plumbing, and heating systems. It also covers limited structural, carpentry, and roofing emergencies.

To qualify, you must own and live in a single-family home in Philadelphia. You cannot own any other residential property in the city. You must also be current on your property taxes and water bill, or be on an approved payment agreement. If you need help with property taxes, check the city’s property tax relief programs.

BSRP uses gross household income limits to determine eligibility. Here are the limits for the program:

Apply online at the One Philly Front Door website, or call PHDC at 215-448-2160. Their phone lines are open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to noon. If you have a heating emergency, call the Heater Hotline at 215-568-7190.

Need help at home while you wait for repairs? New Century Home Care provides non-medical assistance in Philadelphia. Call 215-974-0000 or select “I am a client” on our contact form to learn more.

Adaptive Modifications Program (AMP)

The Adaptive Modifications Program (AMP) helps people with permanent physical disabilities live more independently. Also run by PHDC, this program provides free accessibility changes to homes and apartments. Unlike BSRP, which focuses on the home’s basic systems, AMP focuses on your ability to move around the house safely.

AMP installations include accessible kitchens and bathrooms, first-floor baths, and wider doorways. The program also installs stair lifts, stairway elevators, wheelchair lifts, and exterior ramps.

To qualify, you need proof of a permanent physical disability from a physician. You must own and live in the home, or have the owner’s permission if you rent. The property must be structurally sound, and you must be current on your property taxes. AMP has its own income guidelines; check the current limits when you apply.

You can apply through the One Philly Front Door website. Wait times for this program have been long. You should apply as early as possible so you can get on the list.

Safety Changes You Can Make Now and Medicaid Home Adaptations

While waiting for city programs, you can take immediate steps to reduce fall risks. Simple changes like removing throw rugs, adding brighter lighting, and moving often-used items to lower shelves make a big difference. Read more in our fall prevention guide and learn about safe bathing practices.

If your loved one receives Medicaid long-term care through the Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver, the plan covers certain home adaptations. The CHC waiver can pay for modifications that ensure health and safety. It also covers assistive technology and Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS).

These services are built into the participant’s person-centered service plan. Ask your CHC plan service coordinator how to add these items to your service plan. The waiver also covers non-medical transportation, which can help your loved one get to appointments while the house is being repaired.

Help at Home While Repairs Wait

Because programs like AMP have long wait lists, your loved one may need physical help moving safely around the house right now. A home care aide provides mobility assistance. They help with transfers from the bed to a wheelchair, using the toilet, and bathing safely.

Many families hire an agency for in-home senior care in Philadelphia to bridge the gap. Aides can also help with incidental homemaker tasks and prepare meals. If your loved one qualifies for the Medicaid CHC waiver, they can receive Personal Assistance Services at home.

Families have the option to use a licensed home care agency, or they can hire a relative to provide this care. Relatives can be paid through the CHC waiver to act as caregivers. However, the state will not pay for services furnished by the participant’s spouse, legal guardian, representative payee, or power of attorney.

To set up help at home, call New Century Home Care at 215-974-0000 or submit our online form and choose “I am a client” to get started.