Pennsylvania Releases $95 Million for Affordable Housing Projects
With housing costs tightening their grip on families across the commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency has opened applications for a $95 million grant pool. Local organizations have until November 19 to secure funding under the PHARE program, which draws its capital from natural gas impact fees and realty taxes.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration has nearly doubled its investment in the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund this cycle. The initiative aims to address the state's housing crisis by financing projects that help residents remain in their homes while simultaneously expanding the supply of affordable rental and ownership options. PHFA Executive Director Robin Wiessmann noted the agency expects a highly competitive application cycle, citing the consistent demand for ambitious, locally driven housing solutions.
Since its 2012 launch, the PHARE program has funneled more than $450 million into roughly 2,300 projects. These grants have acted as a force multiplier, leveraging over $3.5 billion in additional private and public funding—a ratio of nearly six dollars for every one dollar awarded. Interested applicants can attend a 90-minute instructional webinar on September 22 to navigate the submission process. Full details and application materials are currently available through the PHFA website.
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