Wolf Administration Increases Affordable Housing Opportunities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2019
Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced new investments to support 11 affordable housing projects across the commonwealth. Funded through the HOME program, $3.4 million will be disbursed to 10 counties to expand the supply of decent and affordable housing for low-income Pennsylvanians.
“One of our most basic responsibilities in government is to help ensure our residents have a roof over their heads,” Governor Wolf said. “But in many areas, affordable housing is growing scarcer. This funding is critical to help promote safe, reliable housing for our low-income residents in areas all across Pennsylvania.”
The HOME program provides federal funding to assist municipalities and local governments in their efforts to expand and preserve their supply of affordable housing for low and very low-income Pennsylvanians. The funding will be distributed in projects located in 10 counties: Cumberland, Franklin, Indiana, Juniata, Lawrence, Montgomery, Northumberland, Snyder, Tioga, and Venango.
Cumberland County
Carlisle Borough, in partnership with the Tri County HDC, a DCED-certified community housing development organization (CHDO), was approved for $53,000 to assist with the CHDO’s operating activities related to recent acquisition and rehabilitation of blighted properties to be sold to first-time homebuyers.
Franklin County
Chambersburg Borough was approved for $100,000 to support the Valley Community Housing Corporation’s operations in the development of the Parkview Corner affordable housing project, which will help address the borough’s shortage of senior housing. The project includes 36 one-bedroom units, four two-bedroom units with extensive common areas for residents on each floor, and elevator access to upper floors funded under the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Low Income Housing Tax Credit program.
Indiana County
The Indiana County Commissioners were approved for $300,000 to assist permanently disabled, low-moderate income residents with accessible housing modifications and rehabilitation to bring the structure up to code standards. The project will assist seven households.
Juniata County
The Juniata County Commissioners were approved for $500,000 to assist low-income homeowners with continued home rehabilitation to ensure the homes remain safe and comfortable. The funding will support the rehabilitation of nine homes owned by residents who otherwise would be unable to afford repairs.
Lawrence County
The City of New Castle was approved for $300,000 to support its owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program that will help the city stabilize its housing stock. The funding will enable the rehabilitation of at least 10 houses, preventing them from ending up vacant or demolished.
Montgomery County
Abington Township was approved for $400,000 to address its housing affordability problem in which the median home value skyrocketed from $141,300 in the year 2000 to $272,000 in 2011. The township is making an effort to preserve its affordable housing stock through its owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program. HOME funds will support that program by funding the rehabilitation of eight low-moderate income households.
Northumberland County
Coal Township was approved for $400,000 to assist 14 very low and low-income homeowners with addressing code deficiencies and related property maintenance ordinance issues so they can meet acceptable, affordable, and safe housing standards.
Mount Carmel Borough was approved for $500,000 to support the rehabilitation of nine homes. The borough’s owner-occupied rehabilitation program helps low-moderate income homeowners to maintain their homes and to continue living in them in safety and comfort.
Snyder County
The Snyder County Commissioners were approved for $400,000 to support the county’s ongoing owner-occupied housing rehabilitation activities. The funding will support the rehabilitation of nine homes.
Tioga County
The Tioga County Commissioners were approved for $150,000 to assist with the rehabilitation of low-income households. The goals of the program are to eliminate safety and health hazards in homes, provide accessibility improvements, promote energy efficiency, and preserve the properties.
Venango County
The Venango County Commissioners were approved for $300,000 to facilitate small and large-scale repairs of senior or low-income households, as well as households of those with disabilities. The financial assistance is especially crucial for supporting the 19.5 percent of the city’s population living below the poverty level, decreasing the likelihood of their home falling into disrepair.