My name is Kaylee, I’m a Wilkes-Barre resident, and I had to leave my home because it needed repairs that I could not afford. I’m outraged that funding was blocked by Republicans for the successful Whole-Home Repairs program that could have allowed me to stay in my home. 

I, along with housing experts across the commonwealth, believe we must take steps to solve the housing crisis sweeping our community. Lack of affordable housing is a major cause of homelessness. Repairing our homes is a way we can combat the housing issue.  

As a disabled person, I know people need help affording repairs. The Whole-Home Repairs Program was developed and passed with bipartisan support to address counties’ shared struggles to preserve the aging housing in Pennsylvania. This program stabilizes our communities and provides Pennsylvanians with the ability to stay safe and healthy in their homes.

Last year, without Whole-Home Repairs, thousands of Pennsylvanians would be living in unhealthy homes; many would have been forced to move from their communities or even from the commonwealth. By blocking funding this year, Republicans have left thousands vulnerable.

I am glad the budget included an increase in public education funding, but the homes that our children return to at the end of the day are as important as the schools they attend. Families need both. The General Assembly should not be setting the needs of Pennsylvanians against each other as an excuse for refusing to meet our needs.

Sincerely,

Kaylee Scruggs