Application deadline is November 19, 2021.

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) soliciting applications from organizations for projects to improve the availability and affordability of housing across the commonwealth. Funding for this RFP is being provided through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund. The total PHARE funding available this year exceeds $45 million.

PHARE receives its funding from the impact fee levied on natural gas drilling companies and a portion of the Realty Transfer Tax. Funding is available for housing initiatives in all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. PHFA is charged with administering the allocation of PHARE dollars.

“Over the past nine years, the PHARE program has grown to become one of our most successful programs for funding the preservation and addition of affordable housing in the commonwealth,” said PHFA Executive Director and CEO Robin Wiessmann. “Organizations in all 67 counties have been excellent partners for their use of PHARE dollars to effectively address local housing needs.”

PHARE applications can be completed entirely online, eliminating the need for paper submissions and simplifying the process for applicants. The RFP is located on PHFA’s website at https://www.phfa.org/legislation/act105.aspx​, and the application is accessible on the PHARE webpage at https://phare.phfa.org/. Applications are due to PHFA no later than 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19.

PHFA is planning two, 90-minute informational webinars for organizations interested in applying for PHARE funds. Both webinars will cover the same information. Webinar dates and times are:

• September 21 at 10 a.m.
• September 28 at 2 p.m.

Interested groups are encouraged to watch the PHARE webpage, noted above, for links to be posted for webinar registration. Questions also may be directed to Bryce Maretzki at PHFA via email at bmaretzki@phfa.org or by phone at 717.780.1867.

The PHARE fund has been allocating money for local housing initiatives since 2012. These funds have resulted in significant benefits that include:

• More than 7,200 individuals and families have received rental or utility assistance
• More than 2,000 homes have been rehabilitated and preserved for continued use
• More than 2,600 new rental units have been created
• 180 new single-family homes have been constructed
• 420 future home sites have been prepared through site acquisition and demolition
• More than 250 new residents have received assistance to purchase their first home

PHARE funds have been used to leverage an additional $800 million investment in housing across Pennsylvania