How do I find affordable housing in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has over 500 housing authorities that work to provide affordable rental options for low-income residents across the state, with many offering rental assistance programs.

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) oversees a statewide affordable housing database called PAHousingSearch.com, which allows renters to search for and contact landlords directly about available units.

In 2023, the Pennsylvania legislature passed a law requiring all new residential developments over a certain size to include a percentage of units priced for households earning 80% or less of the area median income.

Habitat for Humanity has built over 3,500 affordable homes in Pennsylvania since 1993, partnering with low-income families who contribute "sweat equity" and receive no-interest mortgages.

Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development offers several tax credit programs that incentivize the construction and preservation of affordable rental housing.

The Pennsylvania Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides utility bill assistance to qualifying low-income households, helping to improve housing affordability.

The waiting list for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) in many Pennsylvania cities can be 2-5 years long, highlighting the high demand for rental assistance.

Nonprofit community development corporations in Pennsylvania have created over 10,000 units of affordable housing through the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.

Pennsylvania has over 100 emergency shelters and transitional housing programs to provide temporary shelter and support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency operates a statewide network of housing counseling agencies that provide free assistance to renters and homebuyers on topics like budgeting, credit repair, and home purchases.

Many Pennsylvania colleges and universities offer affordable student housing options, including income-based rents and subsidized rates for low-income students.

The Pennsylvania Interagency Council on Homelessness coordinates the state's efforts to prevent and end homelessness, including the development of affordable housing units.

Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code requires all new residential construction to meet energy efficiency standards, helping to lower utility costs for affordable housing tenants.

The Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund provides grants to local governments and nonprofits to develop and preserve affordable housing.

Pennsylvania's Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on factors like race, religion, disability, and familial status, helping to expand access to affordable options.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services operates a network of Regional Housing Coordinators to assist low-income residents in finding and securing affordable housing.

Several Pennsylvania cities, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, have implemented inclusionary zoning policies that require a percentage of new residential developments to be affordable.

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency offers a range of down payment and closing cost assistance programs to help low- and moderate-income families become homeowners.

Pennsylvania's Keystone Communities program provides funding for the revitalization of downtown areas, including the development of mixed-income housing projects.

The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center at Penn State University conducts research and provides technical assistance to support the creation of affordable, energy-efficient housing across the state.