(File Photo: Source for Photo: Model homes and for sale signs line the streets as construction continues at a housing plan in Zelienople, Pa., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. U.S. home sales jumped in February to their highest level in 13 years, a trend that will almost certainly be reversed as the viral outbreak keeps more people at home. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

(Reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget includes a 50 million dollar investment for repairs to older homes. A grassroots group supports the idea, but says the dollar amount falls short of the need. Pennsylvania Stands Up reports that more than half of rural homes and 73 percent of urban homes are over 50 years old, many in flood-prone areas. Mary Collier with the group says the funds would help residents make climate-resistant repairs and cut utility bills, but she notes a similar home repair program with 125-million dollars quickly ran out due to high demand. A housing study found that over a quarter of Pennsylvanians live in the state’s 48 rural counties, where they face major challenges with housing quality, affordability and mortgage access that would allow for homeownership and making repairs. The General Assembly must vote on the budget by June 30th.