ROYERSFORD, PA — State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks) has announced that Senate District 44 will benefit from over $5.4 million in funding through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund. The resources aim to support affordable housing and homelessness prevention projects across Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties.
“The lack of affordable housing across the Commonwealth – and right here in SD44 – combined with low-income and stagnant wages has pushed many Pennsylvanians to the brink of homelessness,” said Muth. “This over $5.4 million funding for affordable housing and homelessness prevention projects will improve critical supports for individuals and families, help ensure housing stability, and fund urgent repairs to keep people housed and safe.”
The funds are part of $73 million allocated by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency for statewide housing and community development initiatives. Projects supported within Senate District 44 include rental assistance programs, emergency shelters, and home rehabilitation projects to address urgent repair needs for low-income families.
Berks County initiatives include a housing stability program by the Berks Coalition to End Homelessness and financial empowerment services led by the Berks Community Action Program. Chester County projects range from housing for low-income seniors to legal representation for tenants at risk of eviction. Montgomery County will use funds to support rapid rehousing programs and emergency shelter services, as well as roof replacement and critical home repair initiatives.
While celebrating the immediate impact of the funding, Muth emphasized the need for broader reforms. “While I’m grateful that this funding will help many deserving people, I will continue to fight for systemic changes that eliminate poverty, eliminate corporate greed, and ensure wage equity and also for other meaningful initiatives that will improve the lives of all Pennsylvanians,” she said.
The allocated funds will serve as vital resources in addressing housing challenges and preventing homelessness throughout the district. Initiatives like those funded through PHARE represent a critical step in creating lasting solutions to housing instability across the region.
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