Brown Announces State Funding for Housing Rehabilitation and Community Revitalization Projects in Lawrence County

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Model homes and for sale signs line the streets as construction continues at a housing plan in Zelienople, Pa., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Sales of new homes fell by 3.5% in September to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 959,000 million units. The Commerce Department said Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, that despite the modest decrease, sales of new homes are up 32.1% from a year earlier, as the housing market remains strong despite the pandemic. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Representative Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) announced today that two Lawrence County projects have been awarded a total of $500,000 through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program to support accessibility upgrades, community revitalization efforts and housing improvements.

The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) Board as part of a statewide investment in affordable housing and community development initiatives. 

According to a release from Brown’s office, these projects received funding: 

  • Disability Options Network – $200,000 for its Shelter Strong Lawrence County program. The initiative will help address the housing needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities by rehabilitating approximately 32 owner-occupied homes. Funding will provide up to $16,000 per home for low- and moderate-income residents to improve safety, accessibility and quality of life. 
  • Lawrence County Department of Planning and Community Development – $300,000 for its Countywide Housing Rehabilitation and Blight Removal Program. The project will support housing rehabilitation efforts, demolition of blighted structures and façade improvements for commercial buildings across Lawrence County. 

The PHARE program is administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and is funded through two primary sources: Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax revenues and a portion of the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee. The program supports community development and housing initiatives that are designed to expand affordable housing opportunities and strengthen communities throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

PHFA approved more than $93 million in PHARE funding for 432 housing and community development initiatives across all 67 counties statewide.