For additional information, please contact Alyssa Slade at aslade@hobartsrunpottstown.org or 610-705-1018.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2026
DEADLINE EXTENDED for Hobart’s Run, Pottstown Foundation Collaboration Supporting Homeownership, Property Improvements
Free Homeownership Information Session Scheduled for Friday, August 7
POTTSTOWN, PA – Hobart’s Run and the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation (PRCF) are excited to announce that the deadline for their collaborative homeowner incentive and façade improvement program has been extended from June 30 to December 31, 2026.
The two organizations have joined forces to provide a limited time expansion of the Hobart’s Run Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP). This partnership offers financial assistance to an area of eligibility that includes the entire Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) district of the Borough between Beech Street and Industrial Highway. This neighborhood is adjacent to the former train station at High and Hanover Streets, currently Pottstown Area Rapid Transit’s Charles W. Dickinson Transportation Center and the proposed site of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority light rail station.
The geographically expanded grant focus area provides twice the $3,000 HIP amount normally awarded through Hobart’s Run: The Hobart’s Run and PRCF collaborative fund recipients will receive $6,000 toward a home purchase if they settle by December 31. Simultaneously, Hobart’s Run is tripling its $500 Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) awards, also through December 31, offering $1,500 for eligible Hobart’s Run residents.
Learn More at Free Information Session
Interested homebuyers, real estate professionals, and community members are invited to attend a free Homeownership Information Session on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Vibe Café in Pottstown, 249 E. High Street. Co-hosted by Hobart’s Run and KeyBank, the event will provide information about available homeownership assistance programs (including the Hobart’s Run HIPs), eligibility requirements, and resources available to prospective buyers. Attendees will enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries, have opportunities to win raffle prizes, and learn how eligible homebuyers may be able to combine assistance programs (including the Hobart’s Run HIP and Key Bank’s Key Home Credit) to receive even more funds toward closing costs and home purchase expenses.
“We want residents and real estate professionals to understand the resources that exist to make homeownership more attainable in Pottstown,” says Alyssa Slade, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Economic Development for Hobart’s Run. “This event is an opportunity to learn about programs that may provide significant homebuyer assistance and connect with housing professionals. Whether you’re actively looking to purchase a home, simply exploring your options, or a real estate professional seeking to learn more, we encourage you to join us.”
The ETOD HIP program as well as increased Hobart’s Run FIG awards are made possible through a generous grant provided by the Foundation to create and accelerate sustainable improvements in a significant section of downtown Pottstown, increasing community vitality and stability for the ETOD neighborhood’s residents.
“As the region prepares for the potential return of passenger rail service, we are proud to support efforts that help long-time residents share in the opportunities that accompany growth,” says Howard Brown, Senior Program Officer for Pottstown Regional Community Foundation. “Programs like this create pathways to homeownership, build generational wealth, and help residents continue to call Pottstown home.
“As investment and development activity increase in Pottstown, it is important that residents are positioned to benefit from new opportunities while minimizing displacement pressures,” Brown notes. “Hobart’s Run and The Hill School are doing important work to strengthen neighborhoods, support property investment, and ensure growth benefits the people who have lived in the Borough for many years.”
Phase One Impact
In June, during the collaboration’s first phase, Philip Agricoli received a $6,000 grant toward his home purchase on South Street in the downtown ETOD area.
Formerly from the Boyertown area, Agricoli says, “Pottstown is building up strong, and it’s a great town to live in!”
He said applying for the HIP “was a breeze, with just a few questions answered on the Hobart’s Run website and a quick visit to set up an account with a local credit union.”
Agricoli’s niece served as his real estate agent through Keller-Williams, and she told him about the grant availability should he choose to purchase a home in the ETOD neighborhood.
In addition to helping the happy new homeowner, two Hobart’s Run focus area property owners each received $1,500 FIGs toward façade improvements such as front porch repair and beautification (at a recipient’s Chestnut Street home) and tree removal, step repair, fencing, and landscaping improvements (at the other resident’s Walnut Street house). The Pottstown Regional Public Library also received a FIG to help pay for a new front door and masonry repairs.
“Hobart’s Run is incredibly grateful to receive this grant extension so we can continue to offer doubled HIP grants in the downtown ETOD area as well as tripled FIGs for Hobart’s Run residents,” says Slade. “The Foundation’s generous support empowers our mission of building a stronger, more stable community where long-time residents have the opportunity to purchase homes and invest in their property.”
How to Apply: Homeowner Incentive Program
Between now and December 31, 2026, individuals who purchase a home in either the Hobart’s Run focus area or the designated half-mile ETOD area can receive $6,000 toward closing costs and their purchase. Homebuyers applying for this incentive cannot have owned another home in the past two years and must be moving into homeownership out of a rental situation.
Approved applicants must maintain primary residence in the home. Although anyone purchasing a home in the eligibility district is encouraged to apply for the HIP grant, this program prioritizes long-term Pottstown residents — particularly renter households with established local tenancy — as primary beneficiaries.
Successful applicants will be required to participate in first-time homebuyer and financial literacy education.
Prospective homeowners may apply for the $6,000 incentive at hobartsrunpottstown.org/property-pride. Closing must occur on or before December 31, 2026.
How to Apply: Façade Improvement Grants
Thanks to the Foundation’s grant funding, Hobart’s Run can increase funds it has budgeted for its Façade Improvement Grants (FIGs). The FIG program normally provides $500 for Hobart’s Run residents to make improvements that enhance street-facing “curb appeal.” However, through December 31, Hobart’s Run focus neighborhood applicants will remain eligible for FIG grants of $1,500, helping them to make more substantive improvements.
Hobart’s Run neighborhood residents may apply for the FIG awards at hobartsrunpottstown.org/property-pride. Work must be completed on or before December 31, 2026 for residents to receive reimbursement up to the $1,500 grant amount.
“With the Foundation’s collaboration, we are working to address homeownership and home improvements for Pottstown residents – many of whom have generational family ties – while preventing displacement that could potentially occur with economic development connected to the return of light rail to Pottstown,” Slade adds. “Targeted neighborhood revitalization helps preserve existing housing stock for Pottstown’s citizens.”
For additional information, please contact Alyssa Slade at aslade@hobartsrunpottstown.org or 610-705-1018.
Hobart’s Run is a 501(c)(3) launched by The Hill School in late 2016 to create a clean and safe neighborhood; foster inclusivity; provide incentives for home ownership and property pride; and generate quality, sustainable commercial and retail development. While specifically addressing a 900-parcel area, the nonprofit supports Pottstown-wide revitalization and engagement efforts. Its goals are summarized through its taglines: “Community Action. Neighborhood Pride. Real Progress.”
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