Home Improvement
Since
1999, LISC has embarked on an ambitious initiative to address the needs of
existing low-income homeowners, many of whom have stood firm and fought to
maintain their neighborhood through decades of decline and abandonment. These people are often the bedrock of a community, and helping them to remain comfortable and safe in their homes is essential to the well-being of a neighborhood. Furthermore, the stability they provide is a often crucial asset in rebuilding a community, making new neighbors feel more secure, and providing a way for those in trouble to connect with those who can help them.
Many of these homeowners are seniors on fixed incomes who have very limited means to address basic safety and building code issues in their homes. These minor repair items, left unattended, will become major repair items, requiring costly renovations to maintain the houses as viable homes, eventually causing more widespread housing vacancy and abandonment.
As of August 1st, 2003, Philadelphia LISC had supported over 400 home repairs, and is now supporting home improvement work with five CDCs:
- Asociacion de Puertorriquenos en Marcha
- Mount Airy USA
- Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation
- People's Emergency Center CDC
- University City District