Ready for home emergencies

With winter just around the corner, it’s smart to know who can help if the chilly weather brings unexpected home repairs. And PHDC is here to help you. PHDC is Philadelphia’s full-service community development organization that provides programs and services to repair and maintain homes, build affordable housing, and so much more. 

Here are two of the programs it offers:

Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP)

If your owner-occupied Philadelphia home needs emergency repair work, the BSRP may be able to help.

They perform free repairs for eligible homeowners with the following emergencies:

• Electrical
• Heating (see heater hotline details below)
• Plumbing
• Roofing
• Limited structural and carpentry

The BSRP also responds to emergencies caused by many types of leaks, including the following:

• Sewer lines
• Water service lines
• Roof leaks (4 square feet or larger)

Heater Hotline Program

If the need for a heater repair arises, the Heater Hotline Program can help. Run by PHDC, this program provides free emergency repairs to eligible households. If you would like to have your heater problem assessed, you can apply for a repair by calling the heater hotline at 215-568-7190.

Both BSRP and the Heater Hotline Program have income eligibility and other requirements. Please visit phdcphila.org and click on Residents/Landlords, then Home Repair and Improvements to learn more, or call 215-448-3000.

Making Philadelphia better, block by block

PHDC is dedicated to serving Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. By working with the City’s Department of Planning and Development, as well as its different public, private, and nonprofit partners and the boards of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and Philadelphia Land Bank, PHDC supports Philadelphia and its residents with housing programs, community development, and repurposing of vacant land.

More education and resources

In addition to BSRP and the Heater Hotline Program, PHDC has an expansive library of online education and resources. These resources can help you find any income requirements that may apply to you, necessary documents and forms you may need, and assistance programs you may be eligible for. To learn more, visit phdcphila.org/resources.

More resources to help save on home energy costs

Having access to the help you need is so important. The Independence Blue Cross Guide to Savings offers seniors and low-income individuals a range of resources that can provide assistance. Income-eligible homeowners can benefit from housing and energy services on local and state levels with programs like these:

PECO’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP)

Eligible households can receive an energy discount based on their income level. When you enroll, past debt is frozen. If you meet the program requirements for six consecutive months, past debt will be forgiven. Call 800-774-7040 or go to peco.com to apply.

Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

This federally funded program provides home heating energy assistance and crisis grants to low-income Pennsylvanians. Learn more or apply by going to compass.state.pa.us or by calling 866-857-7095 (TTY/TDD:711). You can also pick up an application at a local County Assistance office.

DR. HEIDI SAYS: If you’re looking for other home care services or have a more general concern, contact your local agency on aging. Here are several in the area, listed by county:

• Bucks: 267-880-5700
• Chester: 610-344-6350
• Delaware: 610-490-1300
• Montgomery: 610-278-3601
• Philadelphia: 215-765-9000

In addition to having information on home care, they can offer you helpful everyday advice and resources for older adults.

Here to help

Visit ibxmedicare.com/guidetosavings for additional resources that offer meaningful cost-saving assistance.