Pennsylvania Awards $5.5M to Tackle Homelessness and Housing Crisis

Emergency Solutions Grants are set to enhance efforts in rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, street outreach, and emergency shelters throughout Pennsylvania.

This move underscores the Shapiro Administration's dedication to enhancing the lives of residents statewide.

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced $5,503,981 in newly allocated Emergency Solutions Grant funds. These grants, aimed at assisting homeless individuals and families in securing housing, are designated for 14 municipalities, seven nonprofits across 45 counties, and a statewide initiative.

Addressing homelessness and ensuring safe, affordable housing is a central focus of the Shapiro Administration. The federal ESG program funds are intended to facilitate rapid housing solutions for the homeless, prevent homelessness, offer services to those without shelter, provide emergency accommodations, gather data for better insights into homelessness, and manage service delivery.

“Trusted community organizations across Pennsylvania will use these investments to assist individuals and families affected by homelessness,” said Secretary Siger. “The Shapiro Administration is committed to helping our most vulnerable, and this ESG funding equips local governments and non-profits with the necessary resources to provide essential housing support.”

For a comprehensive list of grant approvals, visit the DCED website.

Highlighted regional grants include:

• Bethlehem receives $400,000 to support seven non-profit agencies in Lehigh and Northampton Counties, focusing on rapid rehousing, street outreach, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter operations.
• Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc. is awarded $315,000 for Columbia, Montour, and Northumberland counties, covering street outreach, rapid rehousing, and operating the Homeless Management Information System.
• Clinton County Housing Coalition, Inc. secures $245,000 for Clinton and Lycoming counties, targeting rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter activities.
• Franklin County Commissioners receive $160,000 to fund emergency shelter and rapid-rehousing programs, as well as financial and rental assistance initiatives.
• Lawrence County Social Services is granted $1.2 million to support emergency shelter services, homelessness prevention, and rapid rehousing across 14 western Pennsylvania counties.
• New Hope Ministries Inc. is allocated $125,000 for homelessness prevention in Adams, Cumberland, and York counties, providing rental and financial assistance and staffing housing service coordinators.

Statewide initiative:

• The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence receives $500,000 to aid 14 member agencies in offering emergency shelter to domestic violence survivors.

These funds are sanctioned by the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009.

Priority is given to areas lacking direct ESG funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed an Executive Order for a comprehensive Housing Action Plan to tackle the housing shortage, homelessness, and increase affordable housing options. DCED is spearheading this initiative, collaborating with stakeholders to assess needs and develop strategic solutions.

Expanding housing availability is also a core element of Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy, the first of its kind in nearly two decades in Pennsylvania.

For more details about the Emergency Solutions Grant program or the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the DCED website. Stay informed about agency updates via Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.