June 13, 2025 – Senator Nick Miller (D-Lehigh-Northampton) announced $1,325,000 in funding for five regional programs through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) initiative, managed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. PHFA will distribute a total of $73 million for 387 housing and community development projects across all 67 counties.
The following programs will be locally awarded:
- $350,000 to Northampton County’s Manufactured Home Communities Housing Rehabilitation – offers financial assistance for home improvements to low-and moderate-income (LMI) residents of manufactured home communities including repairs and upgrades to roofing, flooring, insulation, windows, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
- $75,000 to Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley’s Housing Counseling Program – a proposal to expand and preserve homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate-income households in our community. HCP will also offer housing counseling services, including first-time homebuyer seminars, pre-purchase, pre-settlement counseling, and more.
- $400,000 to RCI Village West Properties – a proposal that will transform an existing church in downtown Allentown to create 12 apartments including units for persons experiencing homelessness and special needs households.
- $150,000 to Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley Home Repair Program – assists at no charge to low-to-moderate income families who own their home in Northampton and Lehigh Counties who are cost-burdened with critical/necessary exterior repairs.
- $350,000 to Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley’s Housing Rehabilitation for Thriving Health – aims to enhance housing quality and health outcomes for low-income households experiencing health challenges or at high risk of having poor health due to unhealthy home environments in Lehigh Valley.
“This funding will be instrumental in addressing the housing crisis that our region has been facing, while also providing essential support to current homeowners in distress,” said Senator Miller. “With the backing of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and Governor Shapiro’s investment, we anticipate that this initiative will contribute to safe and attainable housing projects throughout the region. Investments focused on single-family homes are essential for our residents, as costs related to homeownership have risen. This funding will benefit residents of Lehigh and Northampton who are most in need, as well as support programs designed to making homeownership both manageable and possible.”
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs.
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Contact: Gail Vivar, 201-870-2378