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2023 PHARE Funding Awarded to Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness Partner Organizations

The Partnership is excited to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed partner organizations for their well-deserved recognition and success in being awarded the 2023 Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) funding. Read this blog post to learn more about how PHARE helps address the housing affordability crisis, and how you can help increase the funding cap for this vital program.

In the ongoing battle against the affordable housing crisis, it is essential to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of organizations that work tirelessly towards creating safe and affordable homes for individuals and families in need.

The Partnership is excited to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed partner organizations for their well-deserved recognition and success in being awarded the 2023 Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) funding:

the Potential of PHARE Funding

In our communities, access to safe and affordable housing is a fundamental necessity that forms the bedrock of stable and vibrant neighborhoods. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania continues to grapple with a shortage of affordable housing options, leaving countless individuals and families without a place to call home. 

One essential tool that has proven effective in addressing this crisis is the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund. However, the current funding cap imposed on PHARE significantly limits its impact. It is crucial for us to raise awareness about the urgent need to raise the PHARE funding cap and harness the full potential of this invaluable resource. Let's delve into the importance of PHARE and the benefits of raising the funding cap.

Understanding The PHARE Cap

The Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program was established to address the shortage of affordable housing in the state. It provides vital funding to support various initiatives, including rental and down payment assistance, housing rehabilitation, and neighborhood revitalization. PHARE grants enable local communities, nonprofits, and developers to create affordable housing opportunities and improve the quality of life for countless Pennsylvanians.

While PHARE has made significant strides in combating the housing crisis, its impact remains constrained due to the funding cap imposed on the program. The current cap limits the allocation of funds to a mere $25 million annually. Given the magnitude of the housing challenges faced by the state, this cap restricts the program's potential to create lasting change. As demand for affordable housing continues to grow, raising the PHARE funding cap becomes imperative.

Why Raise the Funding Cap?

  1. Increased Availability of Affordable Housing: Raising the funding cap would enable PHARE to support a greater number of affordable housing projects, helping to alleviate the severe shortage experienced by individuals and families across Pennsylvania. More funds mean more homes and more opportunities for those in need.

  2. Neighborhood Revitalization and Economic Growth: Affordable housing is a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization and economic growth. By raising the funding cap, PHARE can invest in initiatives that not only provide affordable homes but also improve infrastructure, create jobs, and enhance the overall livability of communities.

  3. Strengthening Local Communities: PHARE funds are distributed to local communities, nonprofits, and developers who understand the unique housing challenges of their regions. By raising the funding cap, we empower these entities to address specific needs, foster partnerships, and implement innovative solutions tailored to their communities' requirements.

  4. Long-term Cost Savings: Investing in affordable housing now can lead to substantial cost savings in the long run. Stable housing reduces the strain on emergency shelters, hospitals, and other public services, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars.

How Can You Make a Difference?

Share this blog post, along with the PHARE Raise the Cap fact sheet (available at https://housingalliancepa.org/resources/phare-raise-the-cap-fact-sheet/), through social media, email, or community newsletters. Encourage others to educate themselves about the importance of raising the PHARE funding cap. You can also engage with organizations dedicated to affordable housing advocacy, such as the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania (https://housingalliancepa.org/). By joining these groups, you can amplify your impact and contribute to a statewide movement for change.

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Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

The Relationship Between Poverty and Homelessness Among Older Adults

Poverty affects older adults differently than other groups because they are more vulnerable to economic instability when their physical health, cognitive abilities, and social networks decline. The National Alliance to End Homelessness outlines how poverty and homelessness are connected for older adults.

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Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

Income and Housing Affordability

Low-income households are typically unemployed or underemployed due to a number of factors, such as a challenging labor market; limited education; a gap in work history; a criminal record; unreliable transportation or unstable housing; poor health or a disability. For those who are low-income but employed, wages have been stagnant and have not kept pace with expensive housing costs. The National Alliance to End Homelessness outlines how income and housing affordability are connected.

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Resources National Low Income Housing Coalition Resources National Low Income Housing Coalition

Out of Reach 2021

Out of Reach documents the significant gap between renters’ wages and the cost of rental housing across the United States. The report’s central statistic, the Housing Wage, is an estimate of the hourly wage a full-time worker must earn to afford a modest rental home at HUD’s fair market rent (FMR) without spending more than 30% of his or her income on housing costs, the accepted standard of affordability.

Out of Reach documents the significant gap between renters’ wages and the cost of rental housing across the United States. The report’s central statistic, the Housing Wage, is an estimate of the hourly wage a full-time worker must earn to afford a modest rental home at HUD’s fair market rent (FMR) without spending more than 30% of his or her income on housing costs, the accepted standard of affordability.

Read the full report

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Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

Students Experiencing Homelessness in Pennsylvania: New Evidence of Under-Identification and Inequity

Pennsylvania schools have a history of under-identification. In this brief, Research for Action provides some evidence of improvement in identification of students experiencing homelessness in PA; however, rates vary by school community and Pennsylvania overall ranks only 36th out of 50 states in identification of students experiencing homelessness per school-aged children in poverty.

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Resources United Way of Pennsylvania Resources United Way of Pennsylvania

ALICE in Pennsylvania: A Financial Hardship Study

This body of research provides a framework, language, and tools to measure and understand the struggles of a population called ALICE — an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE represents the growing number of households in our communities that do not earn enough to afford basic necessities. Partnering with United Ways, nonprofits, academic institutions, corporations, and other state organizations, this research initiative provides data to stimulate meaningful discussion, attract new partners, and ultimately inform strategies for positive change. Read more about ALICE in Chester County

This body of research provides a framework, language, and tools to measure and understand the struggles of a population called ALICE — an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE represents the growing number of households in our communities that do not earn enough to afford basic necessities. Partnering with United Ways, nonprofits, academic institutions, corporations, and other state organizations, this research initiative provides data to stimulate meaningful discussion, attract new partners, and ultimately inform strategies for positive change.

Read more about ALICE in Chester County

Read the full report

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