Fetterman Leads Colleagues in Letter to HUD Urging Implementation of Whole Home Repairs Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) led his colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner urging an establishment of a Whole Home Repairs program through the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. The letter was cosigned by U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and U.S. Representative Nikema Williams (GA-5).

"Almost 7 million Americans live in homes that are in need of significant repair, with deficiencies including leaky roofs, faulty wiring, and mold. This is an issue that disproportionately affects America's seniors, many of whom would like to downsize but do not want to sell the home at a steep discount due to the updates required. As we saw in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's successful Whole Home Repairs program, providing grants for repairs allowed seniors to sell larger homes to growing families," wrote the members of Congress.

Pennsylvania's program provided grants and forgivable loans to help homeowners and small landlords repair and weatherize their properties. The Pennsylvania program also supported training and pre-apprenticeship programs to create jobs and build a skilled workforce for the future. As the result of a bipartisan and bicameral effort, the Whole-Home Repairs Act was signed into law with the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The Whole Home Repairs pilot program will provide renovation and repair grants to homeowners and small landlords. This will help ensure America's aging homes do not fall out of the housing supply.

"The language in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act authorizes you to operate a Whole Home Repairs program through 2031. We want to show the nation that repairing America's crumbling homes is not a red or blue issue. Creating greater access to housing is an American issue. Any delays will mean millions of American families may never realize the benefit of this program. We were proud to help the Whole Home Repairs bill become law, and we stand ready to support you in making it a reality for Americans," continued the members.

Read the full text of the letter below and here.

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Dear Secretary Turner,

We write to urge you to establish a Whole Home Repairs program through the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. We were proud to vote for the historic 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to improve access to affordable homeownership in America. This law includes our bill to create a Whole Home Repairs pilot program, which will provide renovation and repair grants to homeowners and ensure America's aging homes do not fall out of the housing supply.

Almost 7 million Americans live in homes that are in need of significant repair, with deficiencies including leaky roofs, faulty wiring, and mold. This is an issue that disproportionately affects America's seniors, many of whom would like to downsize but do not want to sell the home at a steep discount due to the updates required. As we saw in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's successful Whole Home Repairs program, providing grants for repairs allowed seniors to sell larger homes to growing families.

The language in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act authorizes you to operate a Whole Home Repairs program through 2031. We want to show the nation that repairing America's crumbling homes is not a red or blue issue. Creating greater access to housing is an American issue. Any delays will mean millions of American families may never realize the benefit of this program. We were proud to help the Whole Home Repairs bill become law, and we stand ready to support you in making it a reality for Americans.

Given the importance of establishing the Congressionally-authorized Whole Home Repairs program, we request a meeting with the Office of Lead Hazard Control for our staff to discuss how it plans to implement this program. Specifically, we want to discuss how it plans to utilize appropriated funds and manage streamlining and reporting requirements. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,