Housing Options

Individuals and families secure and maintain safe, affordable, and energy-efficient housing. The Housing Options Pathway leads to a safe and affordable home.

Customer Impacts (fiscal year 2010-2011)

• 20 low-to-moderate-income families obtained or maintained affordable housing by accessing rental units operated by STEP. In partnership with a local human service organization, individuals with physical or mental disabilities achieved a greater degree of independence by residing in 50% of the affordable units.
• 69 low-income families realized an increase in the value of their homes and/or greater accessibility as a result of renovations to remove handicapped-accessible barriers or rectify structural code compliance deficiencies and safety issues.
• 330 households significantly reduced their energy-related costs as a result of weatherization services.
• 1,336 families decreased their utility debt, paid bills in a timely manner, and/or avoided eviction or utility termination.
• 182 low-income families (including senior citizens and persons with disabilities) remained in their homes as a result of emergency fuel assistance payments to local fuel vendors and utility companies.
• 168 individuals avoided homelessness, thereby preventing the need for shelter costs, while providing a stable home environment for their school-age children within the local school districts.
• 190 families learned effective financial management strategies to help them acquire or maintain their homes.
• 110 families avoided foreclosure.
• 13 families acquired the skills and knowledge to purchase their first home.

Community Impacts (fiscal year 2010-2011)

• 330 homeowners saved $3,987,071 in energy-related costs. An additional savings of $3,022,877 was realized in social benefits, such as increased employment, economic stimulation, reduced uncollected bills, improved health and safety, and an increase in the value of 683 neighboring homes.
• $139,251 in subsidized utility payments was distributed to PPL and UGI.
• $81,881 in emergency fuel assistance was paid to local fuel vendors and utility companies, arranged by STEP and provided by PPL and UGI.
• Landlords received $298,526 to potentially preserve and improve rental properties and neighborhoods.
• 190 families, who received financial management training, accumulated $30,020 in personal savings and reduced their debt by $41,040.
• $1,149,390 in homeowner property values and $4,597,560 in neighboring property values were preserved as a result of foreclosure counseling.
• Lending institutions realized a savings of $5.5 million in foreclosure-related expenses.
• 13 first-time homebuyers added $24,700 in tax dollars to the local economy. Due to a stable home environment, they maintained their jobs, which saved their employers an estimated $77,610 in turnover costs.