Leaders from Pennsylvania Habitat for Humanity affiliates meet with Senator Nikil Saval during an advocacy trip to Harrisburg in March 2026. | Photo by Grace Brombach
The passage of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act marks one of the most significant federal housing investments in decades—bringing new tools and resources to address the nation’s housing affordability crisis.
For Philadelphia, this moment represents something more: a local solution gaining national traction.
At the center of this story is Pennsylvania’s Whole-Home Repairs Program, a first-of-its-kind approach to preserving affordable housing that has now been expanded as a federal pilot through the new legislation.
“The Whole-Home Repairs model showed what’s possible when we invest in the homes people already own in addition to the ones we build,” says Corinne O’Connell, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia.
“Seeing a solution developed here in Pennsylvania expand to the national level is a powerful example of how local action can shape federal policy. For cities like Philadelphia, this is an important step toward helping more families stay in safe, stable homes.”
A Pennsylvania Solution with Proven Impact
Launched in 2022 and championed by State Senator Nikil Saval in partnership with a broad coalition of housing and energy advocates, Whole-Home Repairs created a statewide, coordinated approach to addressing aging housing stock and unsafe housing conditions.
The program has already supported nearly 4,000 households across Pennsylvania—helping families stay in their homes, reduce energy costs, and make critical repairs that improve health and safety.
Beyond individual homes, the model has:
- Strengthened local repair ecosystems
- Expanded workforce opportunities
- Provided a “one-stop shop” for repairs and weatherization
At a time when many communities face rising costs and aging housing stock, the program has demonstrated what it looks like to invest in housing preservation as well as production, education, and assistance for first-time home buyers.
From Pilot to National Policy
With the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the Whole-Home Repairs model will now be tested at the national level—bringing its benefits to communities across the country.
This major legislation includes more than 50 housing provisions designed to expand supply, modernize existing programs, and remove barriers to homeownership.
The inclusion of Whole-Home Repairs reflects years of advocacy by organizations, policymakers, and community partners working to scale solutions that already work on the ground.
What This Means for Philadelphia
For Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, this moment connects directly to our mission.
We know that safe, affordable homeownership depends as much on preserving the homes that already exist as it does on building new homes. Many Philadelphia families live in old homes that need critical repairs to remain safe, healthy, and accessible.
The expansion of Whole-Home Repairs at the federal level has the potential to:
- Strengthen resources for local repair programs
- Support aging in place for longtime residents
- Reduce displacement by stabilizing existing housing
Just as importantly, it demonstrates the power of sustained advocacy—when local solutions, backed by community support, inform national policy.
With a rebuilt back entrance and functional kitchen, Ms. Margaret of Grays Ferry can now stay in the home she’s loved for decades. | Photo by Cary Porter
Turning Policy into Impact
Habitat for Humanity organizations across the country played an active role in shaping the ROAD to Housing Act, meeting with policymakers and advocating for the tools needed to expand affordable homeownership.
Now, with the bill moving toward implementation, the focus shifts from passage to action.
At Habitat Philadelphia, we are ready to continue that work—translating this progress into real impact for families across our city.
Because when solutions developed in communities like ours can scale nationwide, it brings us one step closer to a future where everyone has a safe, stable place to call home.
Read more:
Habitat for Humanity celebrates the passage of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act
habitat.org
June 24, 2026
Habitat for Humanity leaders advocate for affordable housing solutions on Capitol Hill
habitatphiladelphia.org
February 23, 2026
Habitat for Humanity leaders visit State Capitol to advocate for home repair funding
habitatphiladelphia.org
March 26, 2026
PA Habitat leaders call on elected officials to increase statewide funding for home repair programs
habitatphiladelphia.org
May 7, 2025
PA Habitat for Humanity affiliates call on state leaders to fund affordable housing and home repair programs
habitatphiladelphia.org
April 9, 2024
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