HARRISBURG, PA − June 11, 2025 − State Senator John I. Kane today announced that the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) has approved funding for multiple projects in Chester and Delaware Counties through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program.
“These grants represent critical investments in our communities’ housing infrastructure and support services,” said Senator Kane. “The organizations receiving this funding are doing transformational work to prevent homelessness, support our most vulnerable neighbors, and ensure everyone has access to safe, stable housing. I’m grateful for their dedication and commitment to serving our district.”
The funding comes from two sources: Marcellus Shale Impact Fees and Realty Transfer Taxes. These investments will support various housing initiatives, including homelessness prevention, affordable housing development, and support services for vulnerable populations throughout the 9th Senatorial District.
The approved projects in Chester County include:
- Open Hearth Inc. – Targeted Homelessness Resource Management Amount: $75,000 Description: Community-wide homelessness prevention coordination with case conferencing and crisis response systems
- Kennett Area Community Service – Homeless Prevention in Southern Chester County Amount: $65,000 Description: Support for homeless prevention, diversion, and emergency housing services
- Chester County Department of Community Development – Diversionary Enhancement Amount: $250,000 Description: Program to decrease first-time homelessness and improve housing placement outcomes
- Brandywine Valley Active Aging – Community Resource Navigator Amount: $150,000 Description: Case management for homeless or at-risk seniors (60+)
- North Star of Chester County – Homelessness Prevention Program Amount: $50,000 Description: Rental assistance and case management for working single-parent families
- Chester County Human Services – Human Needs Network Amount: $100,000 Description: Housing and behavioral health information/referral services infrastructure
- Family Promise of Southern Chester County Amount: $100,000 Description: Emergency support and shelter for families with children
- Friends Association – Eviction Prevention Program Amount: $250,000 Description: Legal services and case management for eviction prevention
- Open Hearth Inc. – Continuum of Care Housing Amount: $75,000 Description: Rental assistance for homeless households with disabilities
- ACT in Faith of Greater West Chester Amount: $25,000 Description: Housing stabilization and employment support services
- Safe Harbor of Chester County Amount: $150,000 Description: Temporary shelter and comprehensive support services
- Housing Partnership of Chester County – Home Buyer Program Amount: $50,000 Description: Financial counseling for first-time homebuyers
- Housing Authority of Chester County – Recruitment Program Amount: $250,000 Description: Security deposit and rental assistance program
- PA Home of the Sparrow Amount: $90,000 Description: Homelessness prevention for women and children
- Housing Partnership of Chester County – Senior Program Amount: $400,000 Description: Home maintenance assistance for low-income seniors
In Delaware County, funded projects include:
- Community Action Agency of Delaware County Amount: $150,000 Description: Rent and utility assistance
- Wesley House Community Corporation – Shelter Amount: $100,000 Description: Emergency shelter services
- Wesley House – Rehabilitation Project Amount: $400,000 Description: Facility renovations for emergency shelter
- Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County Amount: $100,000 Description: Housing assistance for domestic violence victims
- The Foundation for Delaware County Amount: $150,000 Description: Support for at-risk families and housing education
- Liberty Housing Development Corporation Amount: $425,000 Description: New construction of 6-unit mixed-use housing project
- Chester Community Improvement Project Amount: $150,000 Description: Home rehabilitation program for 20 homeowners
- Smoove Investments Amount: $500,000 Description: Construction of 20 affordable rental units
Additionally, several cross-county initiatives received funding:
- Good Samaritan Services (Chester/Lancaster) Amount: $125,000 Description: Case management and support services
- Good Neighbors Home Repair (Chester/Lancaster) Amount: $35,000 Description: Critical home repairs for low-income families
Cross-County Projects (Delaware/Philadelphia/Montgomery):
- Affordable Housing Centers of PA – Will Power Program Amount: $100,000 Description: Estate planning education and assistance
- Affordable Housing Centers of PA – Housing Counseling Amount: $150,000 Description: Homeownership and financial counseling services
- Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties Amount: $200,000 Description: Home rehabilitation for low-income families