WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) have teamed up to reintroduce the Whole-Home Repairs Act, a bipartisan initiative aimed at addressing the nationwide housing crisis. This innovative legislation seeks to give low- and moderate-income homeowners and small landlords the support they need to make essential repairs, ensuring homes are safe, healthy, and livable.
“Millions of families are living in homes that are unsafe, unhealthy, or unlivable because they can’t afford repairs,” said Senator Fetterman. “The Whole-Home Repairs Act promotes a practical, proven solution to this problem. This program helped thousands of Pennsylvanians stay in their homes—imagine what it could do for families across the country.”
Senator Lummis echoed this urgency, pointing out persistent challenges that plague families in need of federal home repair assistance. “Bureaucratic red tape continues to pain low-income families throughout the Cowboy State,” Lummis stated. “I’m partnering with Senator Fetterman to pilot a program that makes this process easier and ensures Wyoming families have homes that are safe and secure.”
A Tested, Bipartisan Solution
The Whole-Home Repairs Act builds on a successful program established in Pennsylvania, spearheaded by State Senator Nikil Saval and supported by County Executive Sara Innamorato. This program, which provided grants and forgivable loans, enabled homeowners and small landlords to address costly repairs, enhance energy efficiency, and prevent properties from falling into decay. Perhaps most importantly, it created jobs and supported pre-apprenticeship training, building the skilled workforce necessary for a sustainable housing future.
Now, Senators Fetterman and Lummis aim to replicate that success on a national scale through a five-year pilot initiative. Their plan has already drawn bipartisan backing, with Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Tina Smith (D-MN) signing on as original cosponsors.
Bridging the Nationwide Housing Repair Gap
Across the U.S., an estimated 6.7 million Americans live in homes with critical deficiencies—leaky roofs, dangerous wiring, mold infestations, or inadequate heating and cooling systems. These issues create serious health and safety risks, disproportionately affecting low-income families, renters, and communities of color. Left unaddressed, they also contribute to the housing shortage by forcing livable properties out of the supply chain.
“The most affordable home is the one a family is already in,” said Chris Vincent, a vice president at Habitat for Humanity International. “The Whole-Home Repairs Act not only maintains existing housing stock but also allows longtime residents to stay in the communities they’ve always called home.”
The bill directly targets gaps in current federal programs, which critics argue are hampered by fragmentation and excessive delays. By streamlining resources and integrating workforce development, the Whole-Home Repairs Act offers communities a much-needed lifeline in the fight against housing instability and blight.
Widespread Support From Housing Advocates
The reintroduction of the Whole-Home Repairs Act has garnered praise from a diverse coalition of housing advocates and organizations nationwide. Groups like Habitat for Humanity International, the National Association of REALTORS®, and the Housing Assistance Council have lauded the bill for its potential to stabilize neighborhoods, preserve valuable housing stock, and promote affordable homeownership.
“The condition of much of our nation’s older housing stock is a cause for concern,” said Vicki Watson, executive director of the National Community Development Association. “Rising material and labor costs make it extremely difficult for low- and moderate-income households to afford necessary repairs. This legislation would provide vital resources to communities, enabling them to address these challenges head-on.”
David Lipsetz, president of the Housing Assistance Council, highlighted the bill’s particular value for rural areas where aging properties often dominate local housing markets. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill would take a tested and proven state program and expand it into a national pilot,” Lipsetz said, calling the legislation a “critical investment” in communities’ long-term resilience.
A Vision for the Future
While specific funding levels for the program remain under review, lawmakers behind the Whole-Home Repairs Act are confident it will create ripple effects far beyond individual households. By addressing foundational housing issues, the bill has the potential to boost local economies, reduce energy waste through improved weatherization, and even lower health care costs tied to poor living conditions.
Senator Fetterman emphasized that safe and reliable housing is essential, serving as the foundation for stability in life. He highlighted that when families have this stability, it goes beyond just having a home—it creates opportunities, fosters dignity, and opens the door to a better future.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, supporters are hopeful that its bipartisan backing will ensure its success. The Whole-Home Repairs Act is more than a fix for broken roofs and faulty wiring—it’s a blueprint for tackling systemic housing inequalities and keeping American families secure in the places they call home.
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