Submitted Article
Rep. Tina Pickett (Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) today announced four state grants totaling $687,000 to assist with affordable housing efforts in the 110th Legislative District. The funding was made available through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program and supported by Marcellus Shale impact fees.
“This is another example of how our region continues to reap the benefits of its abundant energy resources,” said Pickett. “These grants are going to help residents who are struggling to put a roof over their heads. They are an important investment in our communities as we continue to recover from the devastating economic impact of the pandemic.”
The grant awards are as follows:
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Bradford County (Bradford County Housing Program) – $182,000. This grant will go toward a housing specialist position, with remaining funds being applied to rental assistance for homelessness prevention and mitigation efforts with a portion dedicated to providing support for reentry for justice-involved persons.
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Bradford County (Bradford County Homebuyer Assistance) – $300,000. This grant will be used to mitigate the effect of the Marcellus Shale housing shortage on low- to mid-income residents by providing down payment and closing cost funds of up to $15,000, and up to $15,000 for qualifying repairs.
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Sullivan County (Sullivan County Rental Assistance Program) – $80,000. This grant will go toward one-time rental assistance payments per eligible household with a limit of $1,800.
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Susquehanna County (Susquehanna County Rental and Utility Assistance Program) – $125,000. This grant will be used to provide rental and utility assistance to low-income residents to promote stable housing and forestall eviction or utility termination.
The local grants were among those approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency that totaled $45 million for 223 projects statewide. PHARE projects fall into seven target categories including tax credits, homeless prevention, home ownership, housing counseling and financial education, innovative housing solutions, preservation/rehabilitation/renewal, and rental housing creation.