These agencies and programs can help low-income seniors:
GENERAL
Area Agency on Aging: Allegheny County agency that provides programs and services to help senior citizens remain independent. Protective service workers investigate cases of elder abuse and neglect, including self-neglect. For Information call 412-350-5460 or 1 (800) 344-4319.
Eldercare Locator: An online service of the Administration on Aging, provides information on local agencies and government resources available for seniors. For information visit www.eldercare.gov or call 1 (800) 677-1116.
HOUSING
Allegheny County Housing Authority: Provides subsidized housing, including units in seniors-only buildings. Has 330 units available. For information call 1 (800) 402-2489.
Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh: Provides subsidized housing, including units for seniors. Has 215 units available. For information call (412) 456-5030.
Rebuilding Together – Pittsburgh: Rehabilitates homes and provides emergency home repairs to seniors and people with disabilities. It conducts the Christmas in April event to do major home upgrades to about 30 houses. For information call (412) 922-0953.
Hosanna Industries: Provides home rehabilitation and construction, including some emergency repairs. For information call (724) 770-0262.
The Pittsburgh Project: Provides home repairs to poor seniors and disabled people who live in Pittsburgh. They must be older than 60, own their own homes and live in them, and fall within 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines. For information call (412) 321-1678.
Breachmenders: Provides up to $750 for home repairs, paying half of the cost of labor and materials. Prices are determined by ability to pay. Open to low-income Pittsburgh residents who own thier homes. For information call (412) 621-2530.
Home Injury Prevention Program: Conducts safety assessments and provides free smoke alarms, stair treads, night lights, bath mats and rug grips. Open to senior citizens in Allegheny County. For information call (412) 392-6467.
IMPAC Loans: Provides interest free and low interest loans for general improvements, energy related improvements and items such as sidewalks and handicap access ramps. Open to low-income Allegheny County residents. For information call (412) 350-6337.
Title 1 Loans, National Housing Act: Federal program for accessibility improvements, appliances and repairs. Open to homeowners with limited equity. For information call (800) 767-7468.
Home Improvement Loans, Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority: Provides money for almost any home improvement at fixed interest rate of 5.99 percent. Open to Pittsburgh homeowners who meet income guidelines. National City Bank is the lending partner. For information call (412) 255-6666.
Pittsburgh Home Rehabilitation Loan Program: Pays up to $20,000 including $800 for sidewalks, $3,000 for accessibility improvements and half of the cost of other exterior improvements. For information call (412) 255-6666.
Angels in Overalls: Provides free minor home repairs and help with yard work, painting, patching and furnace repairs. For information call (412) 931-4360.
Weatherization: Provides free home repairs that promote energy efficiency, including sealing windows and roofs. Open to low-income residents in Pittsburgh call (412) 227-5700 or Allegheny County call (412-816-1226.
TAXES
Homeownership Preservation Project: Helps property owners determine what they owe in unpaid taxes, penalties and interest, and set up affordable payment plans with Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. For information call (412) 434-6044.
City Of Pittsburgh Finance Department: Offers hardship payment plans and property tax discounts to qualified owners. For information call (412) 255-2525.
Allegheny County Treasurer: Offers the Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief (Act 77) Program; which provides a flat 30 percent discount on property taxes. For information call (412) 350-4100.