HARRISBURG, PA — The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has taken a significant step toward addressing the state’s pressing housing needs by investing $5.35 million through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). This funding will support the rehabilitation of more than 100 low-income, owner-occupied homes across eight counties, providing critical assistance to communities in need and advancing the availability of safe, affordable housing for Pennsylvanians.
The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), which administers the program, highlighted its vital role in strengthening neighborhoods and creating economic opportunities for residents. By working closely with local municipalities, the HOME program aims to ensure Pennsylvanians, particularly those with low and very low incomes, can access quality housing while simultaneously revitalizing aging housing stock and fostering economic growth statewide.
“Every Pennsylvanian should have safe, well-maintained places to live—the kind of homes that strengthen our communities and our economy,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “This HOME funding builds on Governor Shapiro’s new Housing Action Plan by supporting safe, affordable housing while also revitalizing neighborhoods across Pennsylvania.”
A Strategic Approach to Address Housing Challenges
The HOME initiative is an integral component of Governor Josh Shapiro’s broader effort to tackle Pennsylvania’s housing crisis. Earlier this year, Governor Shapiro signed an Executive Order directing the creation of a comprehensive Housing Action Plan, which is the first effort of its kind in the state’s history. This plan is designed to expand affordable housing options, address homelessness, and alleviate the ongoing housing shortage—issues that impact communities across urban, suburban, and rural areas alike.
DCED has been tasked with leading the development of this Housing Action Plan, collaborating with stakeholders statewide to assess housing needs, identify challenges, and propose actionable solutions. The initiative aligns with the Governor’s vision of not only meeting immediate housing demands but also fostering long-term economic development through strategic investments in the state’s core industries, such as energy, life sciences, and manufacturing.
The recent $5.35 million funding announcement illustrates this multi-faceted approach. By focusing on community revitalization and affordable housing expansion, the Shapiro Administration is reinforcing its commitment to creating livable, sustainable neighborhoods that attract businesses, promote workforce retention, and enhance residents’ quality of life.
Funding Allocation and Community Impact
The HOME funding has been distributed to specific municipalities and counties to target the rehabilitation of existing owner-occupied homes. Key recipients include Clearfield County, Erie County, Lawrence County, Montgomery County, Northumberland County, and Potter County, among others. Projects involve a variety of upgrades and repairs aimed at improving safety and habitability, enabling more than 100 households to remain in their homes while boosting the overall appeal and stability of their neighborhoods.
For example, $750,000 will go to the city of New Castle in Lawrence County to rehabilitate 15 homes, while Erie County will receive $400,000 to make improvements to approximately 12 residences. These investments prioritize both individual homeowners and the broader communities they inhabit, recognizing the essential role of stable housing in supporting economic and social well-being.
According to Secretary Siger, the program offers municipalities the flexibility to address specific local housing needs, ranging from homeownership opportunities to market-based approaches that stimulate investment in underserved areas. “This funding directly supports families while helping to restore and enhance the neighborhoods they call home,” Siger stated.
Federal and State Collaboration
The HOME Investment Partnerships Program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with the appropriation process determining annual allocations. Its mission is to increase and preserve the supply of affordable housing for low- and very low-income residents across the United States.
Pennsylvania has strategically leveraged these funds to not only address immediate housing deficiencies but also invest in long-term solutions that drive economic regeneration. By fostering collaboration between local governments and community organizations, the program ensures that housing projects meet the dual objectives of social impact and community revitalization.
A Path Toward Economic Growth
The emphasis on housing aligns with the Shapiro Administration’s broader Economic Development Strategy, unveiled earlier this year. This initiative seeks to capitalize on the state’s natural strengths and emerging opportunities by focusing on strategic sectors such as agriculture, energy, robotics, and technology. Recognizing the foundational role of housing in economic development, the strategy integrates affordable housing into its vision for a prosperous, competitive Pennsylvania.
The dual impact of the HOME funding—directly benefiting families while breathing new life into communities—is central to this vision. With each rehabilitated home, Pennsylvania moves closer to a future where access to quality housing is no longer a privilege but a guarantee for its residents.
As the Shapiro Administration continues to implement its Housing Action Plan and foster innovative partnerships, Pennsylvania is setting a standard for how targeted investments in affordable housing can transform neighborhoods, improve lives, and drive long-term economic progress.
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