Matzie: More than half a million dollars awarded to expand housing for low-income residents

Rep. Robert Matzie    June 9, 2023 | 2:22 PM

AMBRIDGE, June 9 – New funding of $550,000 will strengthen housing stability for low-income residents in Beaver County, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today.

Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding awarded by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will support home renovation and remediation work and financial counseling and education, among other projects.

“Safe housing gives folks the foundation they need to find employment, care for themselves and their families, and put down community roots. It’s a springboard to economic stability. Securing this funding is going to allow more folks to stay in their homes, find sustainable housing and receive the services they need to become self-sufficient. When that happens, we all win.” 

Matzie said the funding – which comes from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund – includes: 

  • $175,000 to Housing Opportunities of Beaver County Inc. to purchase and rehab six blighted properties homes along Wykes Street that will serve low-income tenants, first-time home buyers and transitional housing candidates.
     
  • $100,000 to Housing Opportunities of Beaver County Inc. for counseling and financial education programs for first-time buyers and tenants in Beaver and Lawrence counties.
     
  • $100,000 to the Harbor Point Housing Inc. Sheridan Rehabilitation Project to rehab apartments and improve building safety.
     
  • $75,000 to the Salvation Army to help residents below the poverty rate by providing flexible financial support as needed to ensure sustainable housing.
     
  • $50,000 to InVision Foundation to provide home remediation support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the organization’s residential program.
     
  • $50,000 to the Cornerstone of Beaver County for the only 24/7 men’s shelter in Beaver County, which will provide housing as well as case management and support services.

Money for PHARE grants comes from Realty Transfer taxes and Marcellus Shale impact fees.

More information about the funding is available here: https://www.phfa.org/forms/phare_program_phare_fund/funding_announcements/2023_project_summaries.pdf