Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE)
PHARE, funded by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, supports research-driven creation and preservation of affordable housing and innovative solutions for low- and moderate-income residents across Pennsylvania.
Funder: Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
Due Dates: November 19, 2026: Application submission deadline
Funding Amounts: Up to $750,000 (construction/rehab); up to $500,000 (programs/services); up to $1M (regional/multi-county); total pool ~$95M (2026/27 cycle)
Summary: Supports creation, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing and housing services across Pennsylvania, with a focus on low- and moderate-income households.
Key Information: At least 30% of funds must benefit households below 50% area median income; 10-year affordability period required for all housing units.
Description
The Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE), administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), is a major statewide initiative supporting the development, preservation, and support of affordable housing across Pennsylvania. Funding is available for a wide range of activities, including new construction, rehabilitation of existing housing, homelessness prevention, homeownership support, housing counseling, and innovative solutions addressing disparities in housing access. PHARE is funded by state Realty Transfer Tax revenues and the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee, with annual competitive cycles and a strong emphasis on leveraging additional public and private resources.
