COATESVILLE—Far from the halls of the capitol in Washington, U.S. Rep Chrissy Houlahan witnessed firsthand how some local volunteers have performed much needed home repairs at no cost to low-income homeowners.

Houlahan toured homes in Parkesburg and Coatesville, with Bob Beggs, Executive Director of Home Works and Chris Weisman, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Chester County.

Much of the recent funding for these programs came in wake of the pandemic and from the federal American Rescue Act.

“(The tour) was one the most amazing experiences in 5 and half years (in Congress)” Houlahan said. “I saw real people in real houses.

“I spend so much time away from our county. The resources that I vote on that allow programs like this I don’t often get to see.

“I see why these programs exist and why they’re helping. It really helps me to learn.”

A Coatesville resident’s home had been severely damaged when winds knocked a tree down, crushing a shed and piercing the bedroom roof. The roof, windows and flooring were replaced, and an accessible bathroom and new appliances were installed.

The senior homeowner said that without the help of community organizations, she would have had to sell her trailer.

“I don’t know where I would have gone,” she said.

When that homeowner said she was at a loss after her sewing machine broke. She had procured material for window drapes but couldn’t sew without another machine. Weisman said that he could have a new sewing machine from a Habitat restore delivered that day.

Most important, voiced several members on the tour, are the relationships forged. Often, homeowners pitch in and work hand-in-hand with the volunteers.

“The relationship is the most I important thing…so they can feel connected.” Beggs said.

A roof on another trailer in Parkesburg had been replaced by volunteers. The Vietnam veteran homeowner proudly showed the Congresswoman photos of his children who are members the Armed Services. Houlahan is an Air Force vet.

Houlahan‘s office issued the following release: “The Whole-Home Repairs Program (WHRP) assists eligible low-moderate-income Chester County homeowners in making critical repairs, so their homes are habitable, safe, accessible, and healthy. The Whole Home Repair program was initially created by the PA legislature and funded with an initial $125 million from federal discretionary American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. Chester County received $2.6 million from the state to support this mission. Pennsylvania homes are some of the oldest in the country, and in Chester County there are an estimated 3,000 substandard homes that need critical repairs including roof replacement, heating and cooling repairs, and plumbing.

“To qualify in Chester County, applicants must own their home and be current on their taxes. Homeowners must also be below 80 percent of the median area income, which depends on household size. The Chester County Department of Community Development is overseeing the $2.6 million program and working with a coalition to administer the funds and the program.

“Good Works, Inc., Habitat for Humanity of Chester County, and Good Neighbors Home Repair were given the responsible for administering the funds and became known as the Whole-Homes Repair Coalition. The Housing Partnership of Chester County also received $112,000 to bolster its senior maintenance and homeowner rehabilitation programs. After completing their application and meeting eligibility requirements, homeowners can then receive up $25,000 in home repairs.”

After the tour, Houlahan, county and local officials, members of several organizations and about 50 members of the public met for a panel discussion at Coatesville City Hall to discuss what Roberta Cosentino, Coatesville City Manager said is a “housing crisis” in the 1.9 square mile city, with 13,500 residents.

Sixty percent of the city’s homes are rented, which Cosentino said “presents its own challenges.” Most are two to three bedroom homes, and the average family has 2.8 children. The average Coatesville home rented for $1,300 in 2020, and now in 2024 rents run from 1,500 to $2,000.

“Rents are going up but income is still staying the same,” said Debra Johnson, Director of Administration of the Housing Authority of Chester County.

Beggs talked about the county seat.

“Very few low-income folks still can afford to live in West Chester,” Beggs said. “Over the years we’ve seen Chester County gentrify.

“There are more rentals and we’ve seen low-income families pushed out.”

Houlahan said that prices go up when supply is short.

“There are supply and demand problems,” Houlahan said, “and a huge demand and not enough supply.”

State Rep. Dan Williams sat on the panel.

“It’s really hard to be a good home owner when you’re working three jobs,” Williams said.

The congresswoman then asked, what can the federal government do?

The federal government can supply more low income tax credits and in-home refurbishing, she said. Housing vouchers can also be provided, along with a homeless safety net and work on infrastructure, including for roads, bridges, tunnels and broadband. Houlahan also suggested that the cost of electricity could be cut.