Income-eligible homeowners in 14 northern Schuylkill County communities have until Nov. 30 to seek help with failing roofs through Schuylkill Community Action’s Raise the Roof program.
The nonprofit expects to help eight to 10 households with roof repairs or replacements, using money from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, known as PHARE.
With only so many households able to get help, the program won’t work on a first-come, first-served basis. Homes will be ranked by how badly they need the work.
“Rather than incorporating a traditional first-come, first-served process, it is important that we focus these limited resources on the homes that need them most,” Dave Young, Chief Executive Officer of Schuylkill Community Action, says.
The program is open to homeowners in the boroughs of Ashland, Frackville, Gilberton, Girardville, Mahanoy City, and Shenandoah, and in Butler, Delano, East Union, Kline, Mahanoy, North Union, Union, and West Mahanoy townships.
Homeowners who call to be placed on the program’s interest list will be asked for photographs and information showing the condition of the roof, the makeup and ages of the household, income verification for everyone in the household, and proof of homeownership. Income limits and other eligibility requirements apply.
After calls close, SCA will use a priority-based scoring process to build a needs list and identify households for possible help. A spot on the interest list does not guarantee funding.
The list will also be used to document how much housing rehabilitation work is needed across northern Schuylkill County. The nonprofit says that information will support future efforts to secure more money for preserving homes in the area.
“While this funding will allow us to help a limited number of households, we know the need is much greater,” Young said. “Documenting these needs will help us demonstrate the importance of continued investment in Northern Schuylkill County and pursue additional resources to preserve homes and strengthen our communities.”
Homeowners interested in the program can call Schuylkill Community Action at 570-622-1995 through Nov. 30.
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