Issues

Federal funds and programs play an important role in the housing market, providing essential capital, subsidies and incentives that enable providers and developers to offer more affordable homes -- helping the market supply better meet the demand. Many of the local and state programs upon which our communities rely are funded in large part by federal dollars.

There is a shortage of 220,000 rental homes in Pennsylvania that are both available and affordable to extremely low income renters. As much as the private sector would like to address the shortage, they cannot do it alone as it simply costs more to build a modest home than a low wage worker or person on fixed income can afford. Work is needed to augment the private market and help provide more options for all Pennsylvanians.

The Housing Alliance, working with our community development and revitalization partners, is concerned with providing the resources to work collectively to develop stronger neighborhoods. Programs such as Community Development Block Grants and Main Street and Elm Street programs all work holistically to build stronger, safer communities.

Homelessness is a real problem in communities across the Commonwealth — a problem that increasingly involves not only individuals but entire families. On any given day, 16,200 Pennsylvanians are known to be homeless. During one school year, school districts around the state provide services to approximately 13,000 homeless children.

Foreclosure has long been a problem for homeowners, and it has only been complicated by high unemployment and the slow economic recovery in recent years. When individuals lose their homes to foreclosure, it is a blow to families, communities, and the health of the housing market.

Living in poverty, or avoiding it, poses a range of challenges aside from just housing: health, employment, safety, education, and much more. While these aspects of life often parallel an individual or family’s housing situation, they are also an important piece of their experience and their well-being.

Rural areas face many of the same challenges as cities and suburbs - blight, foreclosure, homelessness, a lack of available affordable housing - with even fewer resources to address these critical issues. The growth of the Marcellus Shale industry in Pennsylvania has left many rural communities with an even greater deficit of available housing for even their existing residents, let alone the influx of new workers.

Energy costs, particularly in the older housing stock found in many areas of Pennsylvania, can be a huge burden on both renters and homeowners around the state. Weatherization programs, green building standards such as LEED certification help to boost efficiency, while many programs including the Federal LIHEAP can provide financial assistance to those in need.