State Rep. Tina Davis is applauding the approval of more than $1.1 million in funding for numerous organizations to provide much-needed programs and services throughout the county.
“Our state and national economy suffered greatly in the months and years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and while there have been many positive signs of economic recovery – including the creation of millions of jobs, a decrease in the unemployment rate and an increase in GDP – many residents are still struggling,” said Davis. “Rising costs, particularly for housing, remain an issue, so it’s important to fund the organizations responsible for addressing the housing needs for so many throughout our communities.”
During a recent Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency board meeting, the following five Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement applicants received funding:
Bucks County Housing Services Department, $400,000: Allows funding to continue to support housing solutions, including its Rapid Hotel Response payments for emergency hotel/motel stays for vulnerable households experiencing homelessness during the COVID crisis
YWCA of Bucks County, $350,000: Expand capacity to serve human trafficking victims, strengthen connections to housing and victim-centered services, plus address barriers that prevent victims from being permanently housed
Bucks County Opportunity Council, $250,000: The Housing Opportunities for Re-Entry Population Program provides housing, treatment and supportive services for 20 households; these include incarcerated individuals diagnosed with a mental illness and/or substance use disorder who are eligible for parole but lack housing
Bucks County Housing Group, $63,889: Funds the SOAR Case Manager position, which works to increase successful SOAR applications which are eligible for SSI/SSDI benefits to receive them in an expedited fashion, allowing them to obtain housing and move toward self-sufficiency
Bucks County Housing Group, $50,000: The Housing Counseling Program will expand and preserve home ownership opportunities for low-income, first-time homebuyers through HCP’s Home Ownership Savings Account Program and First-Time Homebuyer Seminar
Money used to fund this round of PHARE applications came from Marcellus Shale Impact Fees and Realty Transfer Taxes.
