The recipients of a new round of funding, which is made available annually through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund, were announced by Gov. Tom Wolf on Aug. 13. The governor named 214 housing and community development initiatives in 67 counties that will share a portion of the total $45.79 million in PHARE funding.
Friends Association is the recipient of two awards through this year's PHARE funding allotment. The first will provide $310,000 to establish a new diversionary re-entry house for women and children in Coatesville. Having a safe and secure place to call home upon reunification with children can be the key to successful re-entry, and access to affordable housing can be a barrier to economic stability and self-sufficiency. This program will give women the space they need to re-establish critical bonds with their children and secure long-term stable housing.
The second grant will provide $100,000 for homelessness prevention programs throughout the county. Friends will utilize PHARE funding to provide targeted financial resources and intensive case management to prevent homelessness and eviction for rent-burdened families.
The PHARE program is flexibile and has the ability to leverage local partnerships and leadership to address broad housing needs. It encourages local organizations and elected officials to come together and jointly decide the best way to enhance their community's housing.
PHARE funding is expected to impact nearly 2,000 Pennsylvania households through a variety of efforts.
Friends Association provides emergency shelter and programs to prevent homelessness for families with children in Chester County. For more information or to support these initiatives, readers may visit http://www.friendsassoc.org.
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