The ROAD to Housing Act: What It Means for Home Repair and What Comes Next

Across the nation, millions of homeowners are living in aging homes that need critical repairs to remain safe, healthy, and accessible. For older adults, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and families with limited incomes, a leaking roof, failing floor system, or inaccessible entryway can threaten their ability to remain in the home they love.

That is why housing advocates, nonprofits, local governments, and community members have been encouraged by the progress of the ROAD to Housing Act. The legislation includes provisions that recognize the importance of housing preservation and home repair as part of the broader solution to America's housing challenges.

The legislation has passed both the House and the Senate. While there is currently not a scheduled executive signing, we remain hopeful for the programs that have overwhelming bipartisan support.

Momentum & A Growing Recognition of Home Repair

Housing preservation has gained momentum in recent years as policymakers have increasingly acknowledged that the nation's affordable housing crisis is not only about creating new units, much in thanks to grassroots work done by Coalition members across the nation.

Many existing homes could remain affordable and livable for decades with strategic investments in repairs, accessibility modifications, weatherization, and rehabilitation. These improvements help homeowners avoid displacement, reduce health and safety risks, and maintain housing stability within their communities.

The ROAD to Housing Act incorporates several housing initiatives designed to strengthen housing supply, improve affordability, and support housing preservation efforts.

Of particular interest is the inclusion of a federal program based on Pennsylvania's Whole-Home Repair Program. Pennsylvania's Whole-Home Repairs Program established a local, county-based system that serves as a one-stop shop for critical home repairs, accessibility modifications, and weatherization improvements while also investing in workforce development and creating family-sustaining jobs. Since its launch, the program has helped nearly 4,000 households across the Commonwealth, with repair projects continuing in communities statewide. The program's success was informed by the experience of home repair organizations, including members of the Coalition for Home Repair who participated in the state's pilot efforts and helped demonstrate the value of a comprehensive approach to housing preservation. 

Why Home Repair Matters

For many homeowners served by Coalition members, the challenge is not finding a home. The challenge is keeping the home they already own.

Critical repairs can address:

• Unsafe flooring and structural issues
• Roof leaks and water intrusion
• Electrical hazards
• Plumbing failures
• Accessibility barriers
• Deteriorating porches, decks, and entryways

Without intervention, these issues often worsen, leading to higher repair costs, declining health outcomes, and, in some cases, the loss of housing altogether.

Home repair programs are among the most cost-effective housing investments available. By preserving existing housing stock, communities can help residents age in place, maintain neighborhood stability, and prevent displacement.

What Happens Next?

While legislative details may continue to evolve and implementation will take time, several steps remain ahead, the Coalition is committed to helping members grow local partnerships and build capacity so members can pursue funding competitively when it becomes available. 

Organizations with established repair programs are particularly well-positioned to help deploy resources efficiently and effectively.

Progress on housing policy does not happen by accident.

It happens because homeowners share their stories. Volunteers speak up. Community partners lend their voices. Supporters send emails, make phone calls, attend meetings, and help educate decision-makers about the realities facing their neighbors.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated in advocacy efforts surrounding the ROAD to Housing Act and related housing preservation initiatives. Your willingness to engage in the process helped elevate the importance of home repair as an essential part of the housing conversation.

Together, we can continue advancing solutions that help homeowners remain safely in the homes they worked hard to build and maintain.