Blog Housing Why home repair is health care

This October, hundreds of volunteers joined NKCDC and Rebuilding Together Philadelphia to begin home repairs for 10 homes on the 2200 block of East Cambria Street in Philadelphia.

Home repair improves the appearance of a neighborhood. It preserves affordable housing and increases property values. But more importantly, repairs address what are called the “social determinants of health.”

In Kensington, hundreds of occupied homes do not have a complete kitchen, according to the U.S. Census. Dozens of households lack complete plumbing. Dozens have no source of heat.

Home repair addresses health hazards that may be the cause of flu, asthma, allergies, burns, shocks, broken bones, cancer, lung disease, and other serious health problems. Healthy homes lighten the load on emergency rooms and hospitals, and even improve school attendance.

Home repair also prevents “involuntary displacement.” It keeps people from selling their home because of poor conditions or rising costs, and that preserves communities and protects individual wealth.

This is the third year NKCDC has partnered with Rebuilding Together Philadelphia to bring healthy home repairs to Kensington. Repairs started by volunteers this weekend will be completed by licensed contractors through the winter—25 homes in all.

Get healthy home repairs

NKCDC can connect you to free home repair or low-interest loan programs. NKCDC will help you figure out how much home repair you can afford, and describe how to work with contractors.

Many repair programs require you to own your home, be listed on the deed, and be in good shape with your property taxes. Some also have income or credit score requirements. NKCDC housing advisors can help get your house ready for repairs. Call NKCDC at 215-427-0350. Our services are free.