Harrisburg, PA (Thursday, May 29)—Today, citing the need for a continued response to Pennsylvania’s ongoing housing crisis, a bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators announced a legislative proposal for the PA Home Preservation Program. 

The legislation is sponsored by State Senators David Argall (R–Luzerne, Carbon, and Schuylkill Counties) and Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia County) in the Senate and State Representatives Lindsay Powell (D–Allegheny County), Brandon Markosek (D–Allegheny County), and Tim Twardzik (R–Schuylkill County) in the House.  

“As the chairman of Pennsylvania’s bipartisan Blight Task Force, I’ve seen firsthand how communities across our state, from our largest cities to towns with two streets, can be dragged down by blighted, decaying, rat-infested buildings,” said Sen. Argall. “Assisting families with critical repairs stops blight before it can take hold and ensures our neighborhoods are safe and thriving.”   

In his February budget address, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro proposed a $50-million investment to create a new statewide housing repair program. Previous home repairs programs revealed an enormous statewide need for resources to support homeowners in maintaining their aging homes; nearly 20,000 people remain on waitlists.

The PA Home Preservation Program addresses the need by homing in on the most successful aspect of previous programs: the delivery of critical health and safety repairs for homeowners. This program will allow thousands of households across the commonwealth to repair their homes each year, simultaneously fighting disrepair and community displacement. 

“Every person has a right to a home that is safe, a home that is healthy. Hundreds of thousands across Pennsylvania are denied this simply because they lack access to the resources they need to fix their homes,” said Sen. Saval. “Over the past few years, local counties have worked tirelessly to connect residents with crucial resources to keep their homes safe and healthy for their families, but the demonstrated need has far outpaced the available funds. With the PA Home Preservation Program, we can begin to meet the magnitude of the need.” 

Nearly 60% of homes in Pennsylvania were built before 1970, and a quarter of occupied homes were built before 1940, leaving many homeowners struggling to keep up with needed repairs and crushing utility bills. A survey of Pennsylvania voters conducted in 2022 found that one in four lives in a home in need of a critical repair, and one in three struggles with utility bills that are “unaffordable.” 

“Across Pennsylvania, families are living with leaking roofs, broken furnaces, and unsafe wiring, while repairs are out of reach,” said Rep. Powell. “This legislation creates a targeted, statewide program to address the most urgent health and safety issues in aging homes. By helping working families stay in their homes, we’re not just preventing displacement—we’re investing in the long-term stability and vitality of our communities.” 

“As Chairman of the House Housing & Community Development Committee, I know the importance of preserving homes throughout Pennsylvania and our bill will lead to more preservation,” said Rep. Markosek. 

“In today’s tight housing market, our program will help our neighbors stay in their homes while improving safety, comfort and peace of mind,” said Rep. Twardzik. 

By making it possible for families to stay warm, safe, and dry in their homes and communities, home repairs build generational wealth, enhance community cohesion, and increase public health and safety. Through the creation of a dedicated, state-scaled home repairs initiative, the proposed PA Home Preservation Program will allow Pennsylvania to push back against the epidemic of disrepair harming states throughout the country and launch a meaningful counterattack against the housing crisis.  

Given the demonstrated magnitude of the need, legislators are working to pass the bill before the General Assembly recesses for the summer. 

The Senate co-sponsorship memo can be viewed here. The House co-sponsorship memo can be viewed here.