Matzie: Nearly $600,000 secured for Beaver County housing programs

(File Photo)

(AMBRIDGE, Pa.) Beaver County housing assistance programs are receiving nearly $600,000 from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today.
Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding will expand housing-related services at a critical time.
“Everyone needs a safe place to call home, but the pandemic has driven up the need for emergency housing while reducing the out-of-county shelter options that previously filled that need,” Matzie said. “Part of the funding secured today is going to support construction of a new men’s emergency shelter. Other funding will expand rapid rehousing, rent and utility assistance, and home modification programs. All of these dollars will work to bring greater stability to families needing it most.”
Matzie said the funding to Beaver County includes:

  • $200,000 to The Cornerstone of Beaver County for shelter operations.
  • $175,000 to The Salvation Army for a rapid rehousing program.
  • $100,000 to the Beaver County Commissioners for a home modification program.
  • $50,000 to Community Development Program of Beaver County for rent/utility assistance.
  • $50,000 to Housing Opportunities of Beaver County, Inc. for reverse mortgage counseling.

In addition, Matzie said organization in Allegheny County will receive $600,000 for housing resource and home modification programs.

The PHARE fund – also known as the state’s Housing Trust Fund – is supported by impact fees collected from natural gas companies and from a portion of the realty transfer tax.

The awards are part of a package for projects statewide. More information on the funding is available here: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-wolf-announces-funding-to-support-affordable-housing-across-pennsylvania/.