Matzie: More than $1.8 million in funding will combat homelessness, improve opportunities for vulnerable residents

AMBRIDGE, Aug. 14 -- Area residents struggling with homelessness, addiction and other obstacles will have some new opportunities for affordable, accessible housing and related services thanks to $1.84 million in funding to several regional organizations, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today.

Matzie said the funding – administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund – will serve some of the area’s most vulnerable.

“Securing this funding will help restore quality of life to residents who are struggling because of the pandemic, opioid addiction, violence and other hardships,” Matzie said. “This will bring help for single moms who have escaped domestic violence and are working to become self-sufficient; for residents with disabilities needing accessible, affordable housing; and for people who are homeless and struggling with opioid addiction.

“This is the kind of investment that sends a message to the most vulnerable in our community that there is hope on the horizon and that we will not forget them.”

Matzie said the projects funded include:

  • Allegheny County Department of Human Services: Home 2020 -- $1 million.
  • Allegheny County Department of Human Services: Mobility Counseling Program -- $300,000.
  • United Way of Southern Pennsylvania: Housing Connector -- $200,000.
  • HEARTH: A Safe Place Matters -- $150,000.
  • Community Development Program of Beaver County: Home Modification Program -- $100,000.
  • Community Development Program of Beaver County: Rental/utility assistance -- $50,000.
  • Willissae’s Agency for Vision and Empowerment: WAVE Housing Services -- $40,000.

Money comes into PHARE from three sources: Marcellus Shale impact fees, realty transfer taxes and the National Housing Trust Fund.

More information on the funding is available here.