Boscola Announces $1.46 Million In State Funding for Affordable Housing and Rehabilitation Projects

Boscola Announces $1.46 Million In State Funding for Affordable Housing and Rehabilitation Projects

June 11, 2026

BETHLEHEM (June 11, 2026) - State Senator Lisa Boscola announced today that eight affordable housing projects impacting the 18th Senatorial District have been approved for up to $1.46 million in funding through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE), which is managed through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

"The need to expand the amount of affordable housing has always been critical here in the Lehigh Valley and that need has only been magnified in recent years," Senator Boscola stated. "State investment through PHARE is an important tool through which funding can be distributed into our local communities who are in desperate need to provide affordable housing opportunities. The funding approved today will provide a home repairs programs, housing counseling, and rental assistance programs."

The eight projects approved for funding are:

• City of Bethlehem - City of Bethlehem Rental Rehab Program ($250,000): The City of Bethlehem aims to launch a rental rehab program, serving at least 20 low- to moderate-income renter households throughout the City with priority given to census tracts 105, 108, 109, 110, and 112. The program will prioritize health, safety, and energy-efficient repairs to rental units while meeting HUD standards and preserving long-term affordability. These efforts will reverse patterns of neighborhood decline and preserve naturally occurring affordable housing to avoid displacement.

• Northampton County - Northampton County Rental Housing Stability Program ($250,000): Northampton County in conjunction with the Housing Authority determined there are over 200 housing units at least 100 years old which landlords are renting to voucher holders. The County and Housing Authority intend to provide assistance to the landlords in stabilize these units to maintain the units as rental units for voucher holders.

• Redevelopment Authority of Easton - Aging-in-Place Exterior Housing Program ($235,000): Create a home exterior safety and accessibility program that addresses the need of aging, low-income homeowners whose homes no longer accommodate their needs as time has gone on. Demonstrated through the RDA's facade program, many low-income residents are not suitable for needs related to aging. The RDA hopes to remedy this by offering an application-based program to support residents who need safety improvements to their homes.

• United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley - LVRHAB Eviction Prevention & Rental Assistance ($200,000): In partnership with the Lehigh Valley Regional Homeless Advisory Board, the program expands trauma-informed, culturally responsive services to address eviction and housing disparities in the Lehigh Valley. Building on previous PHARE-funded efforts, the project increases access to legal representation and rental assistance, helping historically marginalized families achieve housing stability and fair opportunities.

• Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley - Housing Counseling Program (HCP) ($50,000): Expand and preserve homeownership opportunities for low- to moderate-income households in our community. HCP provides comprehensive housing counseling services, including a first-time homebuyer seminar, pre-purchase and pre-settlement counseling, financial education, and foreclosure mitigation and assistance programs comprised of individual counseling and a diversion program held in civil courts.

• Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley - Sixth Street Shelter Housing Sustainability Initiative (HSI) ($200,000): HSI will provide direct assistance to families moving from the shelter into permanent housing; qualified families will receive a one-time subsidy to help them secure and move into a rental unit. Once their housing is stabilized, families will be responsible for monthly rent and utilities. Families will take part in ongoing case management and supportive services for at least six months, ensuring they maintain their housing stability.

• Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley - Home Repair Program - Lehigh/Northampton Counties ($200,000): Assists low to moderate income families who own their home in Northampton and Lehigh Counties at no charge who are cost-burdened with critical interior and exterior repairs. Habitat Lehigh Valley focuses on helping families safely age in place after completing repairs regarding weatherization, safety, security, and ADA accessibility, with particular attention paid to the elderly, Veterans, & individuals living with disabilities.
• New Bethany Ministries - Housing Stability Collaborative ($75,000): The Housing Stability Collaborative is a coordinated homelessness prevention program that helps low-income renters in Bethlehem remain housed by combining rental assistance with advocacy, case management, legal support, and mediation. Led by New Bethany and partners, the program assists households at risk of eviction or homelessness, many in marginalized communities, and works to prevent displacement by resolving housing crises and strengthening long-term housing stability.

Funding for the PHARE program for projects approved today across the Commonwealth came from two sources: Marcellus Shale Impact Fees and Realty Transfer Taxes. The eight projects impacting the 18th Senatorial District were funded through Realty Transfer Taxes.

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