Davis announces $1.1M in funding for Bucks County organizations
Funds will allow programs, services to address housing needs
Rep. Tina Davis June 10, 2022 | 12:17 PM
LEVITTOWN, June 10 – Acknowledging the demand to serve the necessities of Bucks County residents, state Rep. Tina Davis, D-Bucks, applauded the approval of more than $1.1 million in funding for numerous organizations to provide much-needed programs and services throughout the county.
“Our state and national economy suffered greatly in the months and years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and while there have been many positive signs of economic recovery – including the creation of millions of jobs, a decrease in the unemployment rate and an increase in GDP – many residents are still struggling,” Davis said. “Rising costs, particularly for housing, remain an issue, so it’s important to fund the organizations responsible for addressing the housing needs for so many throughout our communities.”
During this week’s Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency board meeting, the following five Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) applicants received funding:
- Bucks County, Housing Services Department, $400,000 (Realty Transfer Tax): Allows funding to continue to support housing solutions, including its Rapid Hotel Response payments for emergency hotel/motel stays for vulnerable households experiencing homelessness during the COVID crisis.
- YWCA of Bucks County, $350,000 (Realty Transfer Tax): Expand capacity to serve human trafficking victims, strengthen connections to housing and victim-centered services, plus address barriers that prevent victims from being permanently housed.
- Bucks County Opportunity Council, $250,000 (Realty Transfer Tax): The Housing Opportunities for Re-Entry Population Program provides housing, treatment, and supportive services for 20 households. These include incarcerated individuals diagnosed with a mental illness and/or substance use disorder who are eligible for parole but lack housing.
- Bucks County Housing Group, $63,889 (Realty Transfer Tax): Funds the SOAR Case Manager position, which works to increase successful SOAR applications which are eligible for SSI/SSDI benefits to receive them in an expedited fashion, allowing them to obtain housing and move towards self-sufficiency.
- Bucks County Housing Group, $50,000 (Realty Transfer Tax): The Housing Counseling Program will expand and preserve home ownership opportunities for low-income, first-time homebuyers through HCPs Home Ownership Savings Account Program and First-Time Homebuyer Seminar.
Money used to fund this round of PHARE applications came from two sources: Marcellus Shale Impact Fees and Realty Transfer Taxes.