Sen. Yaw: PHFA Awards $1.8 Million for Housing, Rental Programs Across District

Funding Made Possible Through Natural Gas “Act 13” Impact Fees

HARRISBURG – Eight local housing and rental assistance programs received a financial boost during today’s meeting of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), according to state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23).

The PHFA Board approved the release of over $1.8 million in Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) funds for projects across Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Union Counties.  The PHARE program is funded through an “Impact Fee” tied to activity in the Marcellus Shale region of the state.  Additionally, in November 2015, legislation was approved to provide revenues from the Realty Transfer Tax (RTT) to the PHARE program.  These additional funds expanded the PHARE program to all 67 counties of the Commonwealth.

“The PHARE Fund was created specifically to address pressing housing needs across the state, and particularly across the Northern Tier,” Sen. Yaw said.  “I am thankful that we can direct a portion of the fees currently being paid by the natural gas industry toward this effort.  The eight projects approved today by the PHFA Board of Directors will have a lasting, positive impact.”

“I want to applaud all the organizations in North central Pennsylvania that approached us with innovative proposals for how to best use this housing money in their communities,” said PHFA Executive Director and CEO Brian A. Hudson Sr. “When you look at the wide variety of projects being funded today, you have to be impressed with the many different ways these organizations are using their money to address local housing shortages and improve their communities.”

The eight approved projects will remediate and construct housing and address housing needs for seniors, low to moderate income individuals and individuals who are intellectually disabled or those with mental health issues.  The projects will also provide rental assistance and offer homeownership options.

Projects awarded PHARE funding today include:

Bradford:

Home Purchase and Repair Grant Program – $645,000

Lycoming:

Supportive Housing Program – $200,000

Homes-In-Need – $200,000

Sullivan:

Rental Assistance Program – $80,000

Susquehanna:

Homebuyer Assistance Grant Program – $106,000

Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation – $400,000

Rental and Utility Assistance Program – $124,000

Union:

Bridges to Housing Stability (Union-Snyder Community Action Agency) – $100,000 (*PHARE Realty Transfer Tax Funding)

 

For more information, contact:
Adam Pankake, Executive Director
(717) 787-3280

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