Brown Announces PHARE Funding for Lawrence County
HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) today announced Lawrence County received three state grants totaling $725,000 to assist with affordable housing. The grants were approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program.
“Renovating existing properties to meet current market demands is an excellent way to invest our resources and help people in need,” said Brown. “One of the most efficient ways to make money in real estate is to rehabilitate existing properties. I am grateful to see projects in our area have been chosen to receive funding and look forward to seeing the money put to good use.”
The funding will be distributed as follows:
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Redevelopment Authority of Lawrence County and Lawrence County Department of Planning and Community Development - $600,000 combined to demolish blighted structures, housing rehabilitation, façade improvements and affordable accessible housing.
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Human Services Center - $125,000 to install new windows and exterior renovations at five Fairweather Lodges for individuals with mental health issues.
PHARE is funded by Marcellus Shale impact fees, realty transfer taxes and the National Housing Trust Fund. PHARE projects fall into seven target categories including tax credits, homeless prevention, homeownership, housing counseling and financial education, innovative housing solutions, preservation/rehabilitation/renewal, and rental housing creation.