Restore, Repair, Renew (RRR) loans
- Terms: 10-year loans at a 3% fixed APR, from $2,500 to $50,000. PHDC says the final loan amount must include a 10% contingency.
- Eligible work includes “roof, siding, foundation, and masonry,” among other repairs.
- Who qualifies: Philadelphia homeowners who meet the income limit (PHDC lists $103,100 for a one-person household), have a credit score above 580, and carry homeowners insurance.
- How to apply: through a housing counseling agency such as Clarifi, as described on the City and PHDC pages.
Check the program pages for the current limits, contingency requirements and steps, since they change.
Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP)
BSRP provides free emergency repairs for eligible owner-occupants of single-family homes, including “carpentry repairs to floors and joists and limited repairs to exterior walls.” Its 2026 flyer adds: “Brick pointing and stucco are not considered emergencies.” If you have an emergency wall problem, BSRP may help; routine repointing isn’t covered. PHDC lists an income limit of $85,900 for a one-person household.
Other ways to manage the cost
- Repoint the worst wall first. Rear walls exposed to weather often fail before front facades.
- Bundle work that needs the same scaffolding, such as cornice, window or chimney repairs.
- Get two or three written quotes with the same scope so they’re comparable.