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For Immediate Release
9/29/08
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Pippy's PA Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act Moves Forward

PHARE Act would boost initiatives to expand affordable housing.

Harrisburg – The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37) that would expand affordable housing initiatives in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 1400, the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act (PHARE), was sent to the full Senate for consideration.

With the enactment of PHARE, Pennsylvania would join 38 other states that have created housing trust funds, Pippy said. 

"The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency has done a tremendous job in addressing housing and community development needs throughout the Commonwealth, yet nearly two-thirds of worthy projects presented to PHFA go unfunded due to a lack of resources," said Pippy, who chairs the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee.  "PHARE would allow PHFA to develop or expand affordable housing programs to build, rehabilitate and preserve homes for low-to-moderate-income individuals and families, seniors and people with disabilities."

"Given the critical role that housing has in the overall economy as evidenced by recent events, a statewide housing trust fund will help improve the lives of Commonwealth citizens, both now and in years to come," said PHFA Executive Director Brian A. Hudson, Sr.  "This legislation is a great step in the right direction."

PHARE would provide funding for projects that:

• Provide dwellings for rent or purchase to low-income and moderate-income families and individuals.

• Increase housing availability and quality for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

• Prevent or reduce homelessness.

• Encourage the development or rehabilitation of distressed neighborhoods.

• Provide mortgage or rental assistance, such as housing counseling, foreclosure prevention and refinancing products.

• Provide loans or grants to low-income and moderate-income owner-occupants for repairs and improvements to their homes.

"There's not much time in this legislative session and I appreciate my colleagues moving this legislation forward," said Pippy. "The effort to provide access to decent, affordable housing is always a challenging one, and it's even more so in today's market. A housing trust fund will help PFHA expand proven housing initiatives that help foster stable communities." 

CONTACT:

Greg Mahon (717) 787-5839