Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE)
Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE) supports housing organizations' development, rehabilitation, and services to advance affordable housing across Pennsylvania.
Funder: Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
Due Dates: November 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (Applications)
Funding Amounts: $500,000–$1 million standard request limits; up to $3 million for qualifying healthcare-partner LIHTC developments; 18-month grants
Summary: PHARE funds affordable housing creation, rehabilitation, preservation, and housing services throughout Pennsylvania.
Key Information: Individuals cannot apply; Marcellus Shale awards must name an eligible county as grantee.
Description
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) administers PHARE to create, rehabilitate, and support affordable housing across Pennsylvania. The 2026/27 request for proposals covers Realty Transfer Tax (RTT) funding statewide and Marcellus Shale Impact Fee funding in eligible counties affected by unconventional gas drilling.
The program supports housing development and preservation, homelessness prevention, homeownership assistance, counseling, innovative housing solutions, and healthcare partnerships. Proposals must coordinate with local stakeholders and community housing priorities. PHFA emphasizes long-term affordability, leveraged resources, sustainable partnerships, and measurable responses to persistent housing needs and disparities, including communities experiencing disinvestment or potential loss of affordable housing through gentrification.
