Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Allegheny County Mayor Sara Innamorato visited Pittsburgh nonprofit ACTION-Housing on Friday to discuss significant new investments in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2024-25 budget, which aims to address housing insecurity and homelessness with the first new state funding in more than a decade dedicated to eviction prevention, rental assistance and other housing stability resources.
“A person’s home and living environment fundamentally impacts that person’s physical and mental health, overall well-being, and dignity,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “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, accessible and affordable housing is essential. Governor Shapiro’s proposed investment will provide counties with more resources to support those working their way through the housing crisis, ensuring Pennsylvanians can remain safely and stably housed.”
Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal proposes a $10 million increase to the Homeless Assistance Program (HAP). This increase is designed to 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 success of the Pandemic Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
Additionally, the budget allocates an additional $6.84 million to bolster legal aid services across the state, with $5 million of that allocated solely to representation in eviction cases, and includes $50 million for a “Whole Home Repairs” initiative to directly assist homeowners with essential repairs and adjustments so they can remain in their homes.
ACTION-Housing is one of Pennsylvania’s oldest and largest housing nonprofits, serving thousands of people each year in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. The organization provides rental assistance, full-home repairs, and programs for youth aging out of the foster care system. It also manages properties such as Second Avenue Commons and a variety of single-occupancy facilities for individuals at highest risk of homelessness.
“ACTION has the privilege of helping thousands of people stabilize their current housing and provide a safe haven each year in the Pittsburgh region, but that work is at risk as COVID-era funding dries up while the need continues,” said Larry Swanson, executive director of 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 expand it to target high-risk populations and ensure all Pennsylvanians have access to the resources they need to stay and stay housed in their homes.”
Multiple investments in the proposed budget are aimed at creating the stability individuals need to succeed and achieve better health outcomes. People who experience homelessness and housing insecurity face greater health risks and rates of behavioral health concerns. Providing stable housing is seen as a critical step in improving these outcomes.
Governor Shapiro’s budget aims to comprehensively address housing instability by combining direct financial assistance with legal assistance and home repair plans. If approved, these investments could have a significant impact on the lives of many Pennsylvanians who suffer from housing instability.
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