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Hobart’s Run and Genesis Housing Corporation are working to help property owners get more bang for their home beautification bucks when they collaborate with neighbors who share their desire to improve their block. 

For a limited time, our two organizations will increase award amounts for approved improvement projects in the Hobart’s Run focus area if two or more property owners apply together for façade improvement projects.  

Collaborative proposals must be submitted by two or three neighbors via a single application, and the properties must be continuous or located within 200 feet of each other.  For example, two houses across the street from each other or two houses on the same side of the street but separated by one house should typically qualify.  While landlords have been permitted to apply for Hobart’s Run FIGs, applications for this limited time program will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for landlords or investors who own multiple properties and apply for more than one grant. 

Normally, our Façade Improvement Grants (FIGs) are for $500.  Through this collaboration with Genesis Housing, two applicants who apply together will each receive $1,000 toward façade improvements at their homes.  If three applicants apply together, each resident will receive $1,500 toward enhancements.  

Contractor deposits can be paid up front —  directly to the contractor — as can final payment.  If costs exceed the grant, the property owner must pay the uncovered amount before Genesis Housing and Hobart’s Run will release their final payment. 

Eligible projects may include: 

• Masonry repairs (brick, stone, stucco)
• Siding replacement or repairs
• Exterior painting
• Roof patching or repairs, if visible from the street
• Decorative elements restoration (cornices, moldings, columns)
• Foundation repairs (if affecting façade integrity)
• Replacement of windows and doors to enhance energy efficiency and aesthetics

• Exterior lighting improvements (decorative and safety lighting)
• Security enhancements like cameras (if integrated aesthetically)
• Installation of planters, trees, or decorative landscaping

Grants will be issued as a reimbursement in accordance with the program guidelines and following terms:

• All work must conform to local and state ordinances. Proof of permits from the Borough of Pottstown may be required as applicable.
• Reimbursement requests must be accompanied by an invoice from a bona fide contractor, or sales receipts demonstrating materials purchased for the project consistent with the proposal.
• Once verified, a reimbursement check for project completion will be issued within two weeks.
• All work must be completed within three  months of the grant approval date; otherwise, the grant may be forfeited.
• Approved projects must be completed by September 30, 2025.
• We would like to obtain “before and after” photos to document the work and the impact on the block. 

Interested property owners should complete and submit this digital application, also found on the Hobart’s Run website. Please email hobartsrun.pottstown@gmail.com with any questions. Applications will be processed within three (3) days of submission.  The application deadline is  June 20, 2025.

This endeavor is made possible through the Pottstown Neighborhood Partnership of KeyBank and Genesis Housing Corporation.  Genesis Housing recently received a donation from KeyBank under the PA DCED Neighborhood Tax Credit Program which has reserved $5,000 toward this collaborative FIG program. 

“The Pottstown Façade Improvement Program provides grants for exterior renovations to help with Pottstown’s revitalization,” notes Judith Member, executive director of Genesis Housing.  “We look forward to partnering with Hobart’s Run to provide greater impact for this selected neighborhood.”  

“This partnership provides a great opportunity to help homeowners and make a block ‘pop’ with a grouping of notable façade enhancements,” says Twila Fisher, executive director of Hobart’s Run.  “We are grateful to Genesis Housing, as we could not do this without their support. ”