Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkooshand Allegheny County Mayor Sara InamoratoToday, I visited ACTION-Housing, a non-profit organization in Pittsburgh.Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget proposalTo help Pennsylvanians facing housing insecurity and homelessness. The Governor’s proposal includes the first new state funding in more than a decade to support eviction prevention, rent assistance, and other housing stability resources aimed at keeping people housed.
“A person’s housing and living environment have a fundamental impact on their mental and physical health, overall well-being and sense of dignity.”Chief Arkoush “Accessible, affordable housing is essential as we seek to expand and invest in programs that improve people’s quality of life and support people on their path to economic stability. Governor Shapiro’s proposed investment will provide counties with more resources to help those working through the housing crisis, ensuring Pennsylvanians can remain safely and stably housed.”
People who experience homelessness and housing insecurity face greater health risks and higher rates of behavioral health issues. Multiple investments outlined in the proposed 2024-25 Budget will support existing programs and supports across Pennsylvania and help create the stability needed to get on the path to success and better health.
Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal$10 millionAn increase to the Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) for Housing Stability Assistance will provide counties with more resources and flexibility to help people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness find housing, prevent eviction, and address housing needs in their communities. This new investment builds on the successes and learnings of the Pandemic Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and marks the first new state investment in a homeless assistance program in over a decade.
In addition, the budget proposal$6.84 millionTo support legal aid services across the Commonwealth;$5 millionWe specialize in representation in potential eviction proceedings. Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal also includes:$50 millionThe Whole Home Repair Program will continue to provide direct assistance to homeowners who need repairs or renovations to continue living in their homes.
ACTION-Housing is one of Pennsylvania’s oldest and largest housing nonprofits, helping people access safe, affordable housing and supportive services so they can stay housed, remain employed, and achieve sustainable independence. The organization serves thousands of people in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area each year through direct service programs such as rent assistance, whole-home repairs, and programs for youth graduating from the foster care system, as well as asset and property management, including spaces like Second Avenue Commons and a variety of other single-occupancy facilities serving individuals at highest risk of becoming homeless.
“Action has the privilege of stabilizing current housing and providing a safe haven for thousands of people each year in the Pittsburgh region, but as COVID-era funding dries up, that work is in jeopardy, yet the need continues,” it said.Larry Swanson, Executive Director, ACTION-Housing“With the expansion of HAP and other funding proposed in the Governor’s budget, organizations on the front lines will have the capacity to not only maintain their current levels of support but to expand assistance and target high-risk populations, ensuring all Pennsylvanians have access to the resources they need to stay and remain housed in their homes.”
Learn more about DHS housing priorities and resources.
Read the Governor’s full budget proposal.
Media Contact:Brandon Kwarina – ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov
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