State Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) jointly announced the funding, which comes from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund. The fund is administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and is supported by revenue from Marcellus Shale impact fees and realty transfer taxes.
“This critical funding provides resources to help our community’s most vulnerable residents access safe, affordable housing,” said Twardzik. “I’m proud to support initiatives that offer homelessness prevention, transitional housing, and services for at-risk youth and families facing financial challenges.”
Sen. Argall praised the impact the funding will have on the region’s housing needs. “I’m thankful this highly competitive funding will support our neighbors in need in Schuylkill County,” Argall said. “These organizations all do excellent work to support at-risk individuals, and they deserve our support as they pursue their missions.”
Four local programs are receiving direct support through the PHARE Fund grants:
- Servants to All will receive $125,000 to assist residents with security deposits, rent, arrears, short-term emergency shelter, and case management services.
- Service Access and Management Inc. has been awarded $100,000 to provide case management, healthcare access, and financial assistance for at-risk youth.
- Schuylkill Community Action will receive $150,000 to deliver financial education, personalized coaching, and housing counseling for individuals and families facing economic hardship.
- Schuylkill Community Action’s Bridge House program has been granted $125,000 to offer stable, sober housing for homeless victims of domestic violence, low-income individuals, and those recovering from substance abuse.