Lehigh Times

Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA) recently met with members of the General Assembly to celebrate the $375 million investment in the 2022-23 budget to address affordable housing.

Colleagues and housing advocates joined the governor in Philadelphia, according to a news release from the governor's office. 

"Safe, affordable housing is essential for families, for our communities, and for our commonwealth," Wolf said in the news release. “That's why my administration and the General Assembly worked so hard to fund programs that support safe, affordable housing in this year's budget. We made a transformative investment in housing in Pennsylvania using federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, which is exactly why that money was given to states – to help our neighbors – and that's exactly what we are going to do."

Pennsylvania will make investments to address the housing crisis in a number of ways, the news release noted. These include creating new units, repairing existing units, and funding home repairs.

The Affordable Housing Construction program totaled $100 million. It will provide grants for developing affordable housing units, creating new units, and rehabilitating existing properties. It also preserves affordable housing for low-income tenants.

The Whole-Home Repair program totaled $125 million. It addresses loan forgiveness to landlords and homeowners so they can make repairs and address habitability concerns. It also addresses energy improvements, water efficiency, and accessibility for people with disabilities.

The Development Cost Relief program totaled $150 million. It will help offset higher development costs for affordable multi-family rental properties in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We heard the calls from people across Pennsylvania to address the workforce and affordable housing crisis," Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Conshohocken) said in the news release. "We fought for change and won with this major and historic $375 million housing investment, on top of the $55 million already in the budget. We can't wait to roll out these programs, and we will continue to fight to make sure Pennsylvanians have access and the right to safe and affordable housing."

Jay Costa (D-Pittsburgh), Senate minority leader, said he was proud to celebrate the funds secured by the General Assembly. He noted that there is a housing crisis in the commonwealth.

"There is nothing more important than our homes," he said in the news release. "It's where we raise our families, cook meals, work on homework, rest, build wealth, and make memories. But, as the housing crisis has pushed families into uncertainty, financial distress, and homelessness, my colleagues and I put our power to good use and invested seriously in making sure everyone has a safe home they can afford. These investments will help families repair and weatherize their homes, as well as increase the supply of affordable housing units."

Sen. Nikil Senal (D-Philadelphia) said there was grassroots advocacy from communities across Pennsylvania in the spring. They demanded that the General Assembly take immediate action on the housing crisis. 

"I'm proud to say that we heard these demands, securing historic funding to expand affordable housing and to keep Pennsylvanians warm, safe, and dry in their homes by passing the groundbreaking Whole-Home Repairs program," he said in the press release. "The need is great, and we are ready for the fight. Pennsylvanians flourish when we invest in them."

Rep. Donna Bullock (D-Camden) said the investment is one that will have a significant impact on the lives of Black homeowners, homebuyers, and renters.

"Housing was a budget priority for the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus because we believe investments in housing can build Pennsylvania’s Black middle class, narrow the racial wealth gap, and uplift distressed communities," she said in the news release.

Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) said that gentrification in under-resourced communities is one of the biggest challenges in western Pennsylvania and across the commonwealth. Aging infrastructure in older neighborhoods and increasing property values are issues as well.

"Given today's housing climate, it is crucial for us to ensure that we not only continue to build new housing, but we must maintain current infrastructure and support safe and affordable living for all residents and families," she said in the news release. "These investments will help us turn this vision into reality."