Proceeds from Pennsylvania’s tax on natural gas development supports important environmental and infrastructure programs both at the local level and statewide. But did you know that revenue from the tax is providing meaningful relief to vulnerable residents who are in desperate need of housing assistance?
The Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund was formed to support and create affordable housing across the Commonwealth and, using allocated funding from the impact fee, is able to better achieve their goal of “assisting with the creation, rehabilitation and support of affordable housing throughout the Commonwealth.”
For more than a decade, the PHARE program has been a driver of local community development by providing rental assistance, property rehabilitation for blighted and vacated areas, and other essential programming. In 2020, PHARE awarded nearly $55 million dollars which were used to create 3,246 affordable housing units.
Bradford County, for example, received $1.5 million in PHARE funds in 2020 that were completely supported by impact fee revenue, according to a new report by the Reinvestment Fund. One project set to receive funding is the Bradford County Housing Program, which provides rental assistance and homelessness prevention services throughout the region.
“The Marcellus Shale PHARE funds have been extremely beneficial in providing affordable housing to Susquehanna County residents,” said Bobbi Jo Turner, the HR&A Grants Administrator. Susquehanna County was able to put $995,000 towards housing efforts and the new construction of six homes, primarily for residents looking to downsize.
“PHARE is a crucial part of our overall effort to improve our economy and provide affordable housing to state residents, especially in the Northern Tier and across the Senate District I am proud to represent,” Sen. Gene Yaw said. “Almost $2.5 million will be distributed across my District by the PHFA Board of Directors, up by $349,000 from the previous distribution by the PHFA Board.”
This past June, Greene County – the third largest natural gas producing county in the state – received $800,000 for multiple housing repair programs and is being used to fund the Greene County Rehabilitating Existing Properties and Accessibility Improvements programs. The county projects are expected to be completed by the end of this year and will help improve the community’s housing conditions, while providing jobs to local contractors and suppliers.
“Having somewhere to live is a basic need that must be met before families can achieve security and success, so I am grateful that these grants will help more district residents attain stable housing. Then, they can focus on becoming financially independent and realizing their other goals,” Sen. Bartolotta, who represents Beaver, Greene, and Washington counties said in a statement.
Here’s what others are saying:
County to get $800,000 in PHARE funds
Lawrence County will receive grants totaling $800,000 to help with affordable housing and demolitions. State Rep. Parke Wentling in a news release said Lawrence is one of four counties receiving a total of $975,000 through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program. Of Lawrence County’s share, $300,000 will go to county government for blight removal in “tipping point neighborhoods.” “Those are neighborhoods where we’re starting to see blight emerge, where strong public intervention has a chance of preserving the integrity of those areas,” Commissioner Chairman Morgan Boyd explained.
Nearly $600,000 secured for Beaver County housing programs
Beaver County housing assistance programs are receiving nearly $600,000 from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund. “Everyone needs a safe place to call home, but the pandemic has driven up the need for emergency housing while reducing the out-of-county shelter options that previously filled that need,” Matzie said. “Part of the funding secured today is going to support construction of a new men’s emergency shelter. Other funding will expand rapid rehousing, rent and utility assistance, and home modification programs. All of these dollars will work to bring greater stability to families needing it most.”
8 Lehigh Valley groups splitting $2M in state funds for affordable housing projects
“This program ensures that communities are able to preserve existing housing and create new housing so all Pennsylvanians have access to affordable, safe housing statewide,”. Wolf said in a prepared statement. “This funding will ensure that the money is applied where the need is greatest and can accomplish the most good.”
Five York-area projects receive state affordable housing funds
Five projects that will assist in providing affordable housing were awarded more than $1 million in state funding through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement program. “Every community has different housing priorities, and PHARE gives them the flexibility to target the money to where it can be most effective,” PHFA Executive Director and CEO Robin Wiessmann said in a news release.
Clearfield County Receives $100,000 in PHARE Funds
The Redevelopment Authority of Clearfield County continues county-wide efforts to eliminate blight and promote revitalization. “[We want] to create healthy, safe and prosperous neighborhoods,” expressed Lisa Kovalick, RACC executive director, at Tuesday’s board of commissioners’ meeting. The county has since received a $100,000 pass-through grant to assist with demolition of properties in Curwensville Borough and Morris Township, Kovalick said.
