Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund
Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund Reopens to Aid Those Affected by Pandemic
Overview of the Program
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) announced the reopening of the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF) on Monday to provide much-needed support to homeowners grappling with financial difficulties stemming from the pandemic.
Purpose of PAHAF
PAHAF aims to offer financial relief to eligible homeowners, specifically targeting mortgage and housing-related expenses. The primary objective is to prevent delinquency, default, foreclosure, or displacement from homes.
Status Update and Funding Allocation
Since its inception, PAHAF has assisted numerous households in McKean County alone, providing substantial financial aid totaling $399,000. The program, initiated in February 2023, temporarily halted new applications to prioritize processing a backlog of applicants. However, with the majority of pending applications now addressed, PHFA has decided to reopen the program until the funds are depleted.
Financial Allocation and Distribution
Pennsylvania was allocated $350 million for the administration of PAHAF under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. As of March 7, over $205 million has been distributed to more than 15,500 households across the state, leaving approximately $92 million available. Additionally, there is $42 million earmarked to process pending applications, with an estimated $48 to $50 million remaining for new applicants.
Application Process and Priority Consideration
Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to homeowners facing imminent adverse actions such as foreclosure notices or utility shut-off warnings. However, it’s essential to note that submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
How to Apply
Interested homeowners in Pennsylvania can find detailed information, eligibility criteria, and application instructions on the PAHAF website at www.pahaf.org. They can also reach out to the dedicated PAHAF Call Center at (888) 987-2423 for assistance from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Outreach Efforts and Partnerships
PHFA is collaborating with mortgage lenders, community partners, and housing counseling agencies to inform potential applicants about the program’s reopening and eligibility criteria.
Transparency and Updates
The PAHAF website hosts a regularly updated dashboard displaying program status by county, including the number of applications received, households assisted, and total disbursements. Additionally, the remaining funds in the program will be updated weekly to ensure transparency and accountability.
