Homeowners: Save Money on Real Estate Taxes | | |
With new property assessments out and several tax relief deadlines approaching, now is a good time for Philadelphia homeowners to make sure they're not paying more in property taxes than they need to.
The Homestead Exemption can save Philadelphia homeowners up to $1,399 a year, while programs such as the Senior Citizen Tax Freeze, Low-Income Tax Freeze and LOOP can provide additional relief for eligible homeowners.
If you believe your home's 2027 property assessment is incorrect, you also have until October 5, 2026, to request a First Level Review or file an appeal.
Take a few minutes to review your options and make sure you're getting the property tax relief you qualify for.
| | October Homebuyer Workshops Now Open! | | |
Are you interested in purchasing a home? Do you have questions about the process?
- how to qualify for a mortgage
- how to access down payment assistance grants
- how much money to save for a down payment
- how to improve your credit
AHCOPA is here to help answer all of these questions and more!
Our HUD-Certified housing counselors will help you budget, understand mortgage terms, and access down payment assistance!
Sign up for one of our free, online workshops in October:
- Saturday, October 3, 10 am - 2 pm
- Saturday, October 10, 10 am - 2 pm
- Saturday, October 17, 10 am - 2 pm
| | September and October Will Workshops | | |
Attention Homeowners!
>> Do you have a will?
>> Do you have a family member who owns a house but needs a will?
>> Do you have a plan for what happens if something happens to you?
AHCOPA works with Community Legal Services of Philadelphia to help people write their wills for free.
We'll answer your questions and teach you everything you need to know about how to write:
- Last Will and Testament
- Advance Healthcare Directive
- Power of Attorney
These three documents are critical to make sure your home is properly passed down and that your wishes are honored!
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September Will Workshops
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Southwest Senior Center: Wednesday, September 16
11:00 am to 12:30 pm
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Veterans Multi-Service Women's Center: Tuesday, September 22
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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Wednesday, September 23, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Online
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Veterans Multi-Service Center: Wednesday, September 30
10:00 am - 11:30 am
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October Will Workshops
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Logan Library: Tuesday, October 6
5:30 pm - 6:45 pm
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Episcopal Community Services: Wednesday, October 7
12 pm - 1:30 pm
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Widener Library: Tuesday, October 20
12 pm - 1:30 pm
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Wednesday, October 21, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Online
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West Oak Lane Library: Tuesday, October 27
5:30 pm - 6:45 pm
| | Proposed CRA Changes Could Put Community Investment at Risk | |
For nearly 50 years, the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) has encouraged investment in affordable housing, small businesses, housing counseling, and homeownership opportunities.
Newly proposed changes could affect how banks are evaluated and how they invest in the communities they serve. At AHCOPA, we see firsthand the impact these investments and partnerships can have on families and neighborhoods.
AHCOPA Executive Director Kenneth Bigos shares why the CRA still matters and what the proposed changes could mean for our communities.
| Advocating for Stronger Communities | |
AHCOPA recently joined community partners for a conversation with Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon in Southwest Philadelphia about affordable housing, small-business lending, the Community Reinvestment Act, funding for community development, and federal investment in our communities.
Advocacy is an important part of AHCOPA’s work. Building relationships with elected officials and community partners gives us opportunities to share what we are seeing on the ground and make sure the needs of the individuals and families we serve are part of larger policy conversations.
It was also exciting to tour the local businesses in Philadelphia's Africatown.
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AHCOPA will be at the PHDC Annual Housing Fair on Saturday, September 26!
Stop by our table to meet our team, learn more about our housing counseling services and resources, and get answers to your housing questions.
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We’re excited to welcome Liz Evans as AHCOPA’s new Director of Communications!
Liz brings more than 12 years of nonprofit experience in communications, fundraising, leadership, and community engagement. She holds a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management from Clemson University and has worked with organizations focused on community development, active living, healthy eating, home repair, healthcare, and the arts.
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For Liz, housing is about more than having a place to live. She is passionate about the role homeownership can play in creating stability and building generational wealth, as well as helping people remain safely in their homes and communities as they age.
Fun fact: Liz recently moved to Pennsylvania, making it the ninth state she’s lived in!
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AHCOPA’s work helping Philadelphia families address tangled titles and protect their homes was recently featured in Realtor.com.
| | Thank You to Our Partners | | | | |
