Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE)
Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE) supports housing organizations and local governments in creating, preserving, and improving affordable housing across Pennsylvania.
Funder: Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
Due Dates: November 19, 2026, at 2:00 pm (Full application)
Funding Amounts: $95 million available for 2026/27; request caps of $500,000–$3 million by proposal type; 18-month grant period
Summary: PHARE funds affordable housing creation, rehabilitation, preservation, and housing-related assistance throughout Pennsylvania.
Key Information: Individuals cannot apply; Marcellus Shale awards must name the county as grantee.
Description
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) administers PHARE, established by Act 105 of 2010 to support the creation, rehabilitation, and maintenance of affordable housing throughout Pennsylvania. The 2026/27 funding round uses Realty Transfer Tax revenues and Marcellus Shale impact fees to support housing development, preservation, homeownership assistance, homelessness prevention, counseling, and innovative housing services.
The program emphasizes persistent local housing needs, long-term affordability, sustainable partnerships, and leveraging public and private resources. Proposals must be coordinated with local stakeholders and community housing strategies. Priorities include communities experiencing divestment, displacement pressures, or housing disparities, as well as locations offering greater opportunity and economic diversification. PHARE funds must enhance rather than replace existing affordable-housing resources.
