Sharpsburg expected to benefit from $2 million state grant for older home repairs

Sharpsburg’s aging housing stock could benefit from a $2 million state grant meant to target critical home repairs for low-income, Allegheny County residents, Sharpsburg Mayor Brittany Reno said.

Money from the Department of Community and Economic Development was awarded to the nonprofit ACTION Housing for the rehabilitation program. It will help eligible homeowners with infrastructure, accessibility and weatherizing projects.

“Public health, well-being and economic stability are affected every day by leaking roofs, crumbling foundations and dangerously inaccessible homes,” Reno said.

“This program will help our neighbors make critical repairs to their homes and improve the quality of life here for all of us.”

Throughout the county, older municipalities are brimming with homes that are more than a century old.

The grant program is available to people who meet the criteria of earning 80% or less than the Area Median Income.

The county’s median household income is about $62,000, according to census.gov.

State Rep. Sara Innamorato, whose district includes Sharpsburg, added: “My neighbors will be able to implement structural safeguards and related improvements to their homes, thus ensuring the safety and well-being of their families.”

Since 1985, ACTION Housing has developed or assisted in the development of more than 4,500 housing units.

“The Allegheny County Rehabilitation Program will do so much more than fix a roof or repair a foundation. It will offer residents a chance to stay in homes that they love and the communities that they helped to build,” said state Sen. Lindsey Williams, whose senate district includes Sharpsburg.

“It will stop properties from becoming abandoned and blighted, which keeps our communities safer.”

Applications for the rehab program are open at ACTIONHousing.org or by phone at 412-639-9416.