Cephas announces $100,000 in funding to support affordable housing project

Rep. Morgan B. Cephas August 14, 2020 | 1:14 PM

State Rep. Morgan Cephas announced today $100,000 in funding is going to the Trades for a Difference organization to support their housing project aimed at offering affordable living to those who need it most.

Cephas said the organization will use these resources, which were made available through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement fund, to rehabilitate eight donated properties in her legislative district to provide stable, affordable housing for low-income, first-time homebuyers.

"Affordable housing is a continuing problem, especially in poorer communities, and COVID-19 has only intensified the housing crisis across Philadelphia and the entire commonwealth," said Cephas, D-Phila. "This funding helps to ensure families and our most vulnerable neighbors have access to the assistance and services they need to keep a roof over their heads during this pandemic."

Cephas went on to say the project also will help reduce gentrification, violence and blight while creating jobs.

"Trades for a Difference's Construction Leadership Development Program readies youth from under-resourced communities for employment in the building trades," explained Cephas. "We must continue investing in these types of opportunities that are meant to aid our young people in getting the training they need to enter the workforce and land a good-paying job to provide for their family. It truly is a multi-faceted approach to a number of our communities’ major issues."

This project is part of the 214 housing and community development initiatives throughout Pennsylvania named by Gov. Tom Wolf. All are sharing a portion of the $45.79 million in PHARE funding, which is managed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).