Housing Grants in Chesco Reach $2.7M Allocation
State Senator Carolyn Comitta announced on Monday that the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority has allocated $2.7 million to Chester County. This significant funding will be directed towards various programs aimed at providing affordable housing options to its residents.
Comitta, a Democrat representing Chester County, emphasized the essential role of affordable, safe, and healthy housing in fostering a thriving community. She stated, “A thriving Chester County is dependent on every resident having a safe, healthy place to call home.”
The funds come from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Fund, an initiative established by Act 105 of 2010. The fund’s goal is to support the creation, renovation, and maintenance of affordable housing across Pennsylvania. It is primarily financed by the Realty Transfer Tax Fund and the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Fund, which targets companies involved in natural gas production.
Several local organizations and initiatives in Chester County have been awarded grants from this allocation:
- Home of the Sparrow, Exton received $50,000. This funding will support apartment subleases and re-entry case management for women transitioning from the criminal justice system.
- Friends Association for Care and Protection of Children, based in West Chester, has been granted $200,000 for the Eviction Prevention Court program.
- Brandywine Valley Active Aging, operating in Downingtown and Coatesville, will utilize its $200,000 grant for a case management program. This initiative supports individuals who are homeless, at-risk of homelessness, or housing insecurity, or have survived disasters.
- Housing Partnership of Chester County, Downingtown was awarded $200,000 for a Conservatorship Blighted Property Pilot Program. This initiative focuses on rehabilitating abandoned properties to be sold to first-time home buyers.
- DMPA Investment Group received $200,000 to fund the construction of new container homes in Coatesville.
- Habitat for Humanity of Chester County, Coatesville was granted $100,000 for purchasing and renovating two homes in Coatesville.
- Domestic Violence Center of Chester County, Coatesville received $100,000 to bolster homelessness prevention services for survivors of domestic violence.
- Kennett Area Community Services, based in Kennett Square, was allocated $60,000 to support homelessness prevention for individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity in Southern Chester County.
- Housing Partnership of Chester County, Downingtown was awarded $50,000 to provide housing counseling, financial literacy, and credit counseling programs.
- Housing Authority of Chester County, West Chester received $300,000 for their Housing Locator Program. This program aims to assist lower-income residents in securing housing that suits their specific needs.
Additionally, several other community organizations like W.C. Atkinson Memorial Community Service Center in Coatesville, Friends Association for Care and Protection of Children House in West Chester, Human Services Inc. in Thorndale, Safe Harbor of Chester County in West Chester, Chester County Department of Community Development in West Chester, Open Hearth Inc in Phoenixville, and Good Neighbors Home Repair Inc. in Kennett Square also received funding for a range of services including individualized case management, emergency shelter programs, street outreach, home rehabilitation programs, and more.
These substantial grants demonstrate a profound commitment to enhancing the living conditions of Chester County residents, particularly those in challenging financial circumstances or housing instability. With this funding, these organizations can now make significant strides in providing affordable housing solutions and related support services in their community.
