Bernstine Announces $1.1 Million in Funding for Beaver, Lawrence, Butler Counties

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced the awarding of nearly $1.1 million to Beaver, Lawrence and Butler counties, which was made available through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Program (PHARE) to help with homelessness and household modifications and safety challenges.

“This funding will help especially with those individuals and families who have limited financial means,” said Bernstine. “Rehabilitating existing properties to meet current market demands is an excellent way to invest our resources for homeless prevention and household projects. 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.”

Funding will be distributed as follows:

• The Cornerstone of Beaver County (TCBC) – $55,000 to provide an upgrade to the HVAC system, roof, and hot water tank. These upgrades are vital to the operation of TCBC office space and will allow the organization to continue its mission of serving the homeless and near-homeless population in Beaver County.
• The Community Development Program of Beaver County – $50,000 to enact homeless prevention efforts for households facing homelessness throughout the county. The funds will be used as a supplement to Home Improvement Program (HAP) funds for first month’s rent, security deposits, rent arrearage and utility payments.
• The Community Development Program of Beaver County – $100,000 – to utilize funds for home modifications for households with mobility and safety challenges. Work will include accessible ramps, door widening, bathroom modifications, and other modifications for adaptive equipment for visual and hearing impairments and installation of safety features for the protection of children or others with disabilities such as behavioral issues or autism.
• Crossroads Shelter of Beaver County – $100,000 – Crossroads is proposing a solution to the last gap in Beaver County’s homeless services by opening a family shelter. The Haven would provide 24-hour supervision and intensive case management to approximately 24 homeless families in a 12-month period. It will be operated by Crossroads Shelter of Beaver County, Inc. It will be a single site, 6-bedroom unit.
• Lawrence County Department of Planning and Community – $300,000 – funds will be used to continue building a countywide blight removal program by working with stakeholders to identify targeted tipping-point neighborhoods, those in which public intervention has the potential to kick-start private investment and layer investments of different types to create multi-faceted revitalization projects.
• Housing Opportunities of Beaver County – $35,000 – funds will be used to expand services in conciliation, foreclosure counseling, loss mitigation and first-time homebuyer programs to the residence of Lawrence County.
• Butler County Acquisition Rehab Program – $200,000 – funds will be utilized to purchase homes that are in foreclosure or blighted. These homes will be rehabilitated to become rental units. If the property is blighted, the home will be demolished to create new, durable, and affordable rental housing.
• Butler County Acquisition Rehab Program – $250,000 – funds will be utilized to purchase homes that are in foreclosure or blighted. These homes will be rehabilitated to become rental units. If the property is blighted, the home will be demolished to create new, durable, and affordable rental housing.

The PHARE grant for Beaver, Lawrence and Butler counties was approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, which administers the program. Money comes into PHARE from three sources: Marcellus Shale Impact Fees, Realty Transfer Taxes and the National Housing Trust Fund.