Governor Shapiro highlights affordable housing investments during Lancaster visit

Shante' Brown, Deputy Secretary of Child Development and Early Learning | Pennsylvania Department Of Education

Governor Josh Shapiro recently visited the Lancaster City Housing Authority's Farnum Street East apartment building to emphasize his administration's efforts in expanding access to affordable housing throughout Pennsylvania. The visit comes in light of new investments made through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund.

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) has allocated $73 million in PHARE funding for 387 housing and community development projects across all 67 counties. This includes a $300,000 investment for exterior renovations at Farnum Street East, a public housing complex with 169 units serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Governor Shapiro stated, "My Administration is making the largest investment in housing in Pennsylvania history because we know that housing is a key foundation for opportunity." He added, "If we want kids to succeed in school, if we want people to work and build a better life, they need a place to call home."

Shapiro highlighted that his administration has nearly doubled the funding available for PHARE, describing it as "the largest, most flexible, most effective tool we have for building and repairing affordable housing." He also mentioned that his budget outlines a plan aimed at constructing more housing, reducing costs, and helping Pennsylvanians achieve the American Dream.

The event included remarks from several officials including Barbara J. Ellis Wilson, Executive Director of Lancaster City Housing Authority; Robin Weissmann, Executive Director and CEO of PA Housing Finance Agency; Irene Jamison, Chair of Resident Council at Lancaster City Housing Authority; and Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El.