HARRISBURG – Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Reps. Jonathan Fritz (R-111) and Jeff Olsommer (R-139) announced more than $1.75 million in state funding has been awarded to communities across the 20th Senatorial District through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund.
The awards, made possible by funding through the Realty Transfer Tax and Marcellus Shale impact fees, will support critical repairs, homelessness prevention, housing rehabilitation, transitional housing and homeowner assistance programs across Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.
“This funding represents a thoughtful, strategic approach to addressing housing insecurity and improving quality of life,” Baker said. “From assisting seniors and families on the brink of homelessness to supporting those in recovery and helping first-time homebuyers, these grants are strengthening the social safety net in communities that need it most.”
“The central focus of government is improving quality of life for constituents, especially the elderly,” said Fritz. “These funds are essential in ensuring that all our neighbors are able to live in a setting that promotes happiness and provides peace of mind.”
“This funding is a vital assistance toward expanding affordable housing and preventing homelessness,” said Olsommer. “It’s about helping families stay housed and strengthening our communities.”
Funded projects include:
- Luzerne County: $200,000 to Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton for vital repairs to the chapel connected to St. Stanislaus Apartments, benefiting 30 low-income households.
- Monroe and Pike counties: $100,000 to Family Promise of Monroe County for homelessness prevention services focused on families, individuals, and youth.
- Pike County: $200,000 to support the county’s Expanded Housing Stabilization Program serving households earning up to 100% of the area median income.
- Susquehanna County:
- $325,000 for the Housing Rehabilitation Program to provide essential repairs for low-income homeowners.
- $140,000 to Trehab for rental and utility assistance.
- $350,000 to Trehab for homeownership assistance, including down payment and closing cost support.
- Wayne County: $300,000 for a broad homelessness prevention effort, including rental assistance, foreclosure prevention and emergency shelter support.
- Wyoming County: $140,000 for transitional housing for male offenders in recovery through the Wyoming Sullivan Treatment Court Program.
The PHARE program is administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and funded by the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee, the Realty Transfer Tax and the National Housing Trust Fund.
CONTACT: Jennifer Wilson