DELAWARE COUNTY, PA – June 18, 2026 – Six Delaware County organizations working to prevent homelessness, preserve affordable housing, support vulnerable residents, and strengthen long-term housing stability have been awarded $1,050,000 in total state funding through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program, Senator Tim Kearney announced today.
“As families continue to face rising rents and limited housing options, too many are living one unexpected expense away from losing their home,” Senator Kearney said. “These investments will help keep people housed, expand stability services, and preserve affordable units so more Delaware County residents can remain safe and secure in their communities.”
PHFA staff report that at least $74.6 million (79%) of the $93.3 million allocated today will be used to fund housing projects benefiting households with incomes below 50% of the area median income.
The funding was approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) through the PHARE program, which is supported by Marcellus Shale Impact Fees and a portion of the state’s realty transfer tax. These dedicated dollars form the backbone of Pennsylvania’s housing trust fund and allow counties to respond directly to local housing needs.
“As Governor Shapiro notes, PHARE is one of our most effective tools for expanding affordable housing — and he’s absolutely right,” Senator Kearney said. “These investments give local partners the support they need to prevent displacement and protect vulnerable residents.”
Delaware County PHARE-Funded Projects
- Family Eviction Prevention — The Foundation for Delaware County — $200,000 Family Village, a program of The Foundation for Delaware County, addresses housing instability during pregnancy and early childhood through an innovative partnership between the Housing Opportunities Program for Equity (HOPE) and the Health, Education and Legal Assistance Project: A Medical-Legal Partnership (HELP: MLP). The Family Eviction Prevention initiative blends wraparound supportive services with civil legal aid to meet the complex needs of families at risk of eviction or homelessness. By integrating legal advocacy with maternal and early childhood supports, the program stabilizes households during some of the most vulnerable stages of family life.
- Rent and Utility Assistance – Delaware County — Community Action Agency of Delaware County — $100,000 CAADC plays a central role in Delaware County’s Continuum of Care and is a primary provider of emergency social services, including rent and utility assistance. However, the need among economically disadvantaged households continues to outpace available resources. This PHARE investment will expand direct financial assistance to prevent evictions, maintain essential utilities, and ensure that low-income residents can remain in safe, stable housing. The funding fills a critical gap for families in crisis and strengthens the county’s homelessness-prevention infrastructure.
- Delaware County Shallow Rent Assistance Program — Delaware County Office of Housing & Community Development — $250,000 Delaware County will launch a Shallow Rent Assistance Program to provide immediate relief to renters facing rising housing costs and economic hardship. Eligible households will receive $500 monthly payments for up to six months, which can be used toward rent or to prevent entry into the emergency shelter system. By offering short-term, targeted support, the program aims to preserve stable housing, reduce displacement, and ease pressure on local shelters while helping residents weather temporary financial strain.
- Barclay Square Apartments – Affordable Housing Preservation — National Realty Corporation — $375,000 PHARE funds will support elevator upgrades across five buildings at Barclay Square Apartments in Upper Darby. The project preserves 244 units of affordable housing, including 74 deeply affordable units serving households below 50% of Area Median Income. By modernizing critical infrastructure, the investment prevents displacement, enhances accessibility for seniors and residents with disabilities, and ensures continued access to employment, transportation, and education for hundreds of local families.
- Immigrant Senior Safe Housing Project — Multicultural Community Family Services — $75,000 The Immigrant Senior Safe Housing Project will provide rapid housing options for immigrant seniors at risk of homelessness. Participants will receive case management, housing navigation, and support in securing permanent, affordable senior housing. The program addresses a growing need among older adults who face cultural, linguistic, and economic barriers to stable housing.
- Delaware County Home Share Program — Media Fellowship House — $50,000 The Home Share Program connects homeowners with extra space to renters seeking affordable housing, creating mutually beneficial arrangements that help prevent displacement and foreclosure. Administered by Media Fellowship House, the program fosters intergenerational and interracial connections, expands affordable housing options, and strengthens community ties across Delaware County.
Statewide Impact
This year’s PHARE awards will support 432 housing and community development initiatives statewide, including the creation of 49 new single‑family homes, down‑payment assistance for 204 new homebuyers, and housing counseling for nearly 6,000 households. The program will also preserve or rehabilitate 1,662 affordable rental units, create more than 2,000 LIHTC‑supported units, and provide 57 units specifically for households in danger of homelessness. In total, more than 134,000 housing‑insecure residents will receive rent, utility, transportation, or stability assistance through PHARE‑funded programming.
In all, the state has doubled investment in PHARE, giving local communities more resources to meet housing needs, tackle the housing crisis, and help more Pennsylvanians stay in their homes.
The complete list of the funded proposals is available at www.phfa.org/legislation/act105.aspx. See the bullet for “Funding Announcements.”
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