Governor Shapiro's Budget Boosts Housing Support, Allocates $50 Million

The HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) programs are dedicated to offering a comprehensive range of services for individuals facing homelessness and those at risk, along with other related challenges.

Governor Josh Shapiro is prioritizing cost reduction and sustainable housing solutions, as highlighted by his proposed 2025-26 budget which allocates $50 million for the modernization and renovation of the state's aging housing infrastructure.

Major Funding for Homelessness Initiatives Announced

Harrisburg, PA – In a significant move to combat homelessness, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger has unveiled nearly $27 million dedicated to supportive services across 38 counties. This investment aims to mitigate and resolve homelessness for numerous families and individuals.

Through the HOME-American Rescue Plan Supportive Services Program (HOME-ARP SS), $12.3 million has been sanctioned. Additionally, $14.6 million is allocated via the HOME-American Rescue Plan Non-Congregate Shelter Program (HOME-ARP NCS).

The Shapiro Administration is dedicated to ensuring all residents in the Commonwealth have access to affordable and secure housing. Governor Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal emphasizes substantial investments in the restoration and modernization of Pennsylvania's housing stock, aiding first-time home buyers with closing costs, and more.

Secretary Siger stated, “The Shapiro Administration is committed to ensuring Pennsylvanians have more housing options. The funding approved today is just one tool that will allow more individuals and their families to maintain a roof over their heads that they can afford. The funding in the Governor’s proposed budget — coupled with the development of Pennsylvania’s first ever Housing Action plan — will make it even easier for families to stay in their homes or achieve homeownership.”

HOME-ARP SS offers a range of supportive services such as housing search and counseling, transportation, case management, financial assistance, and short- and medium-term rent assistance for eligible parties.

Meanwhile, HOME-ARP NCS provides resources for local governments to develop non-congregate emergency shelters for those in need.

Details of these investments can be found on the DCED website, with awards including:

• $6,110,000 to the Bucks County Commissioners for the renovation of a structure into a non-congregate shelter with 10 units for domestic violence victims.
• $4,523,176 to Lawrence County Social Services to extend their services across multiple counties including Armstrong and Cameron.
• $3,223,881 to the Columbia County Commissioners for an 18-bed non-congregate shelter, comprising various unit sizes.
• $2,058,128 to the Center for Community Action to support residents in counties such as Bedford and Blair.
• $1,063,408 to Family Promise of the Poconos for services in Monroe and Pike counties.

Improving housing affordability and accessibility is a key objective for the Shapiro Administration. Last year, the Governor signed an Executive Order to initiate Pennsylvania’s inaugural Housing Action Plan. Since then, feedback from thousands of residents has been gathered, and collaboration with developers, nonprofits, local governments, and labor leaders has been ongoing to establish a comprehensive housing strategy.

The forthcoming housing plan will be released in upcoming months, but the Administration has already identified six immediate actions included in the Governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal, such as:

• An investment of $50 million in a statewide housing repair fund to assist homeowners with necessary repairs.
• A $10 million allocation to aid first-time home buyers with closing costs.
• Enhancing the State Planning Board's capacity to assist local communities with zoning and permitting issues.
• Establishing an Interagency Council on Homelessness to enhance support for unhoused individuals.
• Increasing the PA Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE) by an additional $10 million, targeting a total of $110 million by 2028.
• Sealing eviction records for individuals not actually evicted to improve housing security and access to employment opportunities.

For further information about HOME-ARP programs or the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the DCED website. Stay updated by following us on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.