HARRISBURG − August 13, 2020 – Senator Tim Kearney (D – Delaware, Chester) today announced the award of $1.4 million in state funding for affordable housing programs in Delaware and Chester Counties.
“Everyone should have a decent, affordable, and safe place to call home,” said Senator Kearney. “Through this funding, that goal is becoming a reality for the people of Delaware and Chester Counties. These projects will support and strengthen our communities by preventing and ending homelessness, helping domestic abuse survivors find new homes, and assisting low-income families with rent and utilities.”
Projects approved for funding include:
- $240,000 for Chester County Housing Authority’s Housing Locator Program. This program helps Chester County residents who are experiencing homelessness to locate safe and affordable housing.
- $200,000 for the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County (DAP). DAP will use funds to support its client assistance and relocation program. This program provides funding to domestic violence survivors for security deposits, security features in the new location, and replacement of lost or stolen personal identification.
- $200,000 for Chester County’s “Decade to Doorways” system connectivity proposal. The Chester County Department of Community Development will use funds to provide street outreach services for unsheltered individuals, including the chronically homeless; the creation of a housing crisis access site; housing crisis funds for diversion and prevention; and permanent housing stability case management services.
- $200,000 for Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health’s TAY Bridge program. The TAY Bridge program is designed to facilitate a successful transition to adulthood among young people aged 18-24 who need permanent housing. This program provides housing, life skills, and connections to community supports to ensure they are emotionally and financially ready to conquer the many responsibilities of being an adult.
- $100,000 for Upper Darby Township’s Emergency Rehabilitation Program. Funds will be used to provide emergency housing rehabilitation grants for low-income homeowners in Upper Darby. This program promotes neighborhood stability, combats blight, and promotes sustained affordable housing for residents.
- $100,000 for Community Action Agency of Delaware County’s Housing Navigator and Landlord Engagement. Funds will be used to assist families and individuals experiencing a housing crisis with locating and securing affordable housing. CAADC will provide housing locators to identify housing opportunities for homeless individuals and families.
- $100,000 for Community Action Agency of Delaware County’s Rental Assistance Program. This program provides rental assistance to prevent homelessness and ensure safe, affordable housing for Delaware County residents.
- $100,000 for the Friends Association’s Homeless Prevention Program. This program will use funds to provide case management, education, connection to benefits, partner agency programs, and financial assistance in the form of rental and utility payments, grocery cards, childcare, and others as needed.
- $100,000 for “A Place to Call Home.” Human Service, Inc. will use funds to provide Chester County residents with affordable rental options and supportive services to help with moving costs. Funds will go toward rental assistance, security deposits, and transportation as needed.
- $50,000 for the Chester Community Improvement Project. This project will use funds to expand housing counseling services in Delaware County. Services will help low-income individuals address the impediments preventing them from achieving homeownership.
- $45,000 for Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Legal Aid will use funds to reassess the value of 1,000 mobile homes in Chester County. This project will protect mobile home owners from overpaying taxes by up to $700,000 and assist low-income people with other housing law problems.
Funding for these projects is provided by the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE). Money comes into PHARE from three sources: Marcellus Shale Impact Fees, Realty Transfer Taxes, and the National Housing Trust Fund.
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