The PA Department of Community and Economic Development has announced 2008-09 funding for the Core Communities Housing Program (CCHP). The program provides state-funded grants for affordable housing activities in core communities.

The Center for Community Development will administer this competitive program. The CCHP will be open to any entity eligible to apply for HRA funds. The eligible entities include any county, municipality or redevelopment authority; and nonprofit organizations are eligible for certain housing activities under special conditions. (However, Philadelphia and nonprofits within the City will not be eligible since Philadelphia already receives the maximum amount of HRA funds allowed under statute.)

Any of the eligible HRA applicants are invited to apply to fund housing projects that meet the CCHP criteria. The proposed housing activities must occur in previously developed areas (not greenfields) and must be located in a core community.

Funding under the CCHP will be awarded on a competitive basis. The maximum grant amount is limited to $500,000 in any one fiscal year. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for funding for projects that will dramatically improve affordable housing options in core communities. Projects that demonstrate effective targeting, significant leverage, and/or significant impact on the community’s quality of life will be given preference. These priorities are described, with examples, in the CCHP Supplemental Instructions and are the same as the Commonwealth’s priorities for HOME funds.

The following criteria must be addressed in CCHP applications:

• 1. All proposed housing activities must be fundable under the HRA Program.
• 2. All proposed projects must be located on a previously developed site within a core community.
• 3. The proposed project must leverage other resources. These resources must be identified and evidence that they are secured must be submitted with the application.
• 4. A minimum dollar-for-dollar match is required. Eligible match can include, but is not limited to, Act 137, federal or other state funds, or other local housing programs.
• 5. The project must be ready to begin construction upon the receipt of CCHP funds and must be completed by June 30, 2011.

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