Creating Stronger Futures Through Stable Housing

Across South Central Pennsylvania, new opportunities are emerging to help people find safe, stable housing.

Why Housing Matters

Housing affects health and daily stability. It also influences whether families and individuals can look ahead with confidence. When housing is out of reach, people often face added pressure in other parts of life, from basic needs to transportation to overall well-being. That strain can make it harder to stay healthy, feel secure and plan for a successful future.

"When housing is out of reach, the strain can be felt across every part of life," said Jennifer Doyle, president and CEO of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC). "That is why this work matters and why we are committed to supporting solutions that can help more people find stability."

The Need is Clear in South Central PA

Local assessments show that housing pressure looks different from county to county, but the strain is real in every community in our region. In Cumberland County, basic needs continue to outpace wages. In Dauphin County, homelessness remains a major concern. In Franklin County, housing affordability is becoming an increasing challenge as home prices and rents rise faster than incomes. In Lebanon County, housing supply remains tight, and many households are already housing-cost-burdened. In Perry County, housing costs are adding to broader economic hardship for local families.

TFEC's response is rooted in the belief that housing challenges are complex and require community-wide action. No one investment will solve the issue. Real progress involves strong local partners working together. It also requires listening to community needs and supporting solutions that can make a lasting difference.

"We know housing challenges touch every community differently," said Doyle. "That is why this work must be shaped by local experience and guided by the people closest to the need."

Putting TFEC's Commitment into Action

TFEC is already putting that commitment into action. The Foundation recently awarded a $25,000 grant to the AMiracle4Sure Community, which serves people experiencing homelessness in the greater Harrisburg area. In 2026, TFEC is offering five new competitive grant opportunities that will provide $10,000 per community in Cumberland, Franklin, Lebanon and Perry counties, as well as Mechanicsburg, to support housing-related work shaped by local needs.

An Important Shift in TFEC's Work

This growing focus on housing also marks an important transition in TFEC's broader initiative work. Resources are not unlimited, and to give housing the sustained attention it needs, TFEC has had to make thoughtful choices about where to focus its time, leadership and capacity.

That is why TFEC has closed its Early Education Initiative. Since 2006, TFEC has helped bring attention, funding and partners to early education across the region. We are proud of that work and the role we have played over nearly 20 years. Over that time, strong organizations and partnerships have grown to lead this work forward, reducing the need for TFEC to remain as directly involved as it once was.

Closing the initiative does not mean TFEC is stepping away from early education. TFEC will continue to support early education through grantmaking and community partnerships. At the same time, this change will allow TFEC to give housing the stronger focus it requires.

Now is the Time to Get Involved

By focusing more deeply on housing, TFEC can address a pressing need affecting every county within its footprint while continuing to support children and families through other pathways. Nonprofits interested in housing-related grant opportunities should visit www.tfec.org/grants to learn more. Community members who want to support this work can email [email protected] to learn how they can begin their own philanthropic journey and invest in solutions that strengthen our community.