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What is the Home Strong Program?

Home Strong is a collaborative effort between URDC and three other congregation-based community outreach groups in northwest Philadelphia that addresses intergenerational wealth transfer in communities of color by empowering senior homeowners with resources on how to maintain their homes and successfully transfer wealth to their families.

The Need: The growing wealth gap in communities of color
Recent national demonstrations for racial equality highlighted the huge wealth gap that exists in communities of color. In the U.S., average Black, Hispanic, or Latino households earn about half as average white households and own only 15-20 percent as much net wealth. Worse, this wealth “gap” has widened notably over the past few decades (Federal Reserve, Oct 2021).

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Who is eligible for the Home Strong Program?

Home Strong is open to any low or moderate income homeowner over 60 years of age, who resides in northwest Philadelphia (primarily zip codes 19118 19119, 19144, 19150, 19138, or 19126 west of Broad Street). Residents who rent their property are not eligible for the program.

What do Home Strong participants receive?

Every Home Strong participant receives a free assessment of their home’s physical condition to identify areas that may need improvement as well as an optional deed review and credit check. Each homeowner also leaves the seminars with information on city resources available to assist them in fixing up their home and transferring it to their heirs.

”“Your Home Strong program was on point. The URDC contractor saved my life by pointing out important issues that all seniors should know while living alone. I thank God for Home Strong for my eye opening inspection and your great organizations. Blessings to you all!“

Ms. VGHome Strong participant - 19138

As a part of the program, senior homeowners agree to attend four seminars

Knowing Your Home (Home Systems)

What are important home systems that need to be maintained to create a healthy, safe environment? URDC performs home assessments for each homeowner as part of this seminar.

Staying in Your Home (Home Maintenance)

What ongoing maintenance do you need to know to maintain your home’s value and stability?

Transferring Your Home (Preparing Your Home for Your Heirs)

Basic estate planning to ensure your home can be successfully transferred to your heirs. Homeowner can review their soft credit scores and deeds.

Your Aging Brain and Scams

Changes that occur in an aging brain make older adults more susceptible to fraud and scams; Signs of stroke; Maintaining brain health

In return, each senior home owner receives a free home repair up to $2,000.

URDC’s non-profit Home Strong partners:

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Unitarian Universalist House Outreach (UUH Outreach)

UUH Outreach supports the goals of people 60 and older in Northwest Philadelphia to achieve independence, dignity and quality of life in their homes and communities.

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Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry (GACM)

GACM connects at-risk Philadelphia residents to resources within themselves an the community, that resolve their crises, stabilize their lives and equip them to take the next step9s) toward self-sufficiency. Some resources may be limited to residents outside our target area, zip codes, 19118, 19119, 19138, 19144, 19150..

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Face to Face Germantown (FTF)

FTF relives suffering of low-income residents by giving them support to meet immediate needs through legal, shelter, food, and health services. Staff work together to develop a unique plan for each guest that addresses their complex mis of issues.

How do I apply to participate in Home Strong?

hs-smallTo apply, speak with a member o the Home Strong team (URDC, GACM, UUH Outreach or Face to Face) or fill out application on this page. A Home Strong team member will review your application and contact you.

Home Strong Application

Fill out the application below and a representative will contact you for the next steps.

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