Homeowners are the proud backbone of Pennsylvania’s communities, but now more than ever homeowners need help to avoid foreclosure. Pennsylvania has been fortunate to have the Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) for homeowners facing foreclosure, but HEMAP needs more resources to help the increasing number of homeowners in trouble - and is facing elimination due to budget cuts.

Making the mortgage payment isn't the only financial challenge for homeowners. Over time, as homes deteriorate, lower-income owners often find that their homes need increasingly costly repairs, while their incomes barely suffice to pay the mortgage and taxes. The problem is particularly severe in Pennsylvania, where over 40% of our housing stock was built before 1950. Poorly maintained homes can lead to individual suffering, increased health and safety risks and even abandonment of the deteriorated home.