Delloso announces more than $700K in funding to address affordable housing, homelessness

RIDLEY PARK, June 17 – State Rep. Dave Delloso, D-Delaware, announced $712,000 in funding for numerous programs and services to address affordable housing and homelessness has been approved for the region.

“We have seen the devastating effects the pandemic has had on working families,” Delloso said. “Families have lost their homes, meanwhile the cost of housing has skyrocketed. While more needs to be done, these programs will help many people suffering in Delaware and Philadelphia counties.”

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency approved the following funds through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund/Realty Transfer Tax:

  • Korean Community Development Services Center, $400,000: The funds will be used to renovate housing in and around areas designated as Federal Opportunity Zones, where families historically struggle from economic and educational hardships.  
  • Community Action Agency of Delaware County, $100,000: The funds will allow CAADC to continue its Housing Navigator and Landlord Engagement activities that help identify housing opportunities for homeless families and single adults.
  • Actionaids, Inc., $92,000: The funds will be used to help stabilize 15 households affected by COVID-19. The Homelessness Prevention Project will provide services, including up to nine months of rental assistance, to ensure participants retain their household and receive the care they need. 
  • Community Action Agency of Delaware County, $40,000: The funds will help bridge the gap in resources needed for rental assistance for families and households in crisis.
  • Media Fellowship House, $40,000: The funds will be used to expand counseling and financial support for low- to moderate-income home buyers. Funds will also be used to include homeless prevention counseling. A demand for services has increased during the pandemic for services from the Fellowship House, which has a 76-year history.
  • Southwest Philadelphia Affordable Housing Programs, $40,000: The funds will be used to provide housing counseling, education and outreach. Education services include home-buying counseling as well as resolving mortgage delinquency or default.

Money to fund this round of competitive PHARE applications came from two sources: Marcellus Shale Impact Fees and Realty Transfer Taxes. Established in 2010, PHARE is the mechanism used to allocate state or federal funds for affordable housing.