Pittsburgh, PA - Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato today visited Pittsburgh non-profit, ACTION-Housing to discuss the significant new investments in Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 proposed budget to help Pennsylvanians facing housing insecurity and homelessness. The Governor’s proposal includes the first new state funding in more than a decade to support eviction prevention, rental assistance, and other housing stability resources aimed at keeping people housed.
“A person’s home and living circumstances has a fundamental impact on their physical and mental health, overall wellbeing, and their sense of dignity,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “As we seek to expand and invest in programs that help improve a person’s quality of life and help people on a path to economic stability, accessible and affordable housing is essential. Governor Shapiro’s proposed investments will provide counties with more resources to support those navigating a housing crisis and keep Pennsylvanians safely and stably housed.”
People who experience homelessness or housing insecurity face greater health risks and higher rates of behavioral health concerns. Multiple investments outlined in the 2024-25 proposed budget will support existing programs and supports across Pennsylvania that help create the stability needed for someone to get on a path to success and better health.
Governor Shapiro’s budget proposes a $10 million increase in the Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) for housing stability supports that will give counties more resources and greater flexibility to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness find housing, prevent evictions, and address local housing needs. This new investment builds off the success and lessons learned from the pandemic Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and is the first new state investment in the Homeless Assistance Program in more than a decade.
In addition, the budget proposes an increase of $6.84 million to support legal aid services around the Commonwealth, including $5 million specifically dedicated to representation in potential eviction proceedings. Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget also includes $50 million for the Whole Home Repairs program that will continue to provide direct assistance to homeowners who need to make repairs or modifications in order to stay in their home.
ACTION-Housing is among the oldest and largest housing-based non-profits in Pennsylvania dedicated to helping people access safe, affordable housing and supportive services so they can stay housed, maintain employment, and achieve sustainable self-sufficiency. The organization serves thousands annually in the greater Pittsburgh area through direct service programs, including rental assistance, Whole Home Repairs, and programs for youth aged out of foster care, as well as asset and property management, including for spaces like Second Avenue Commons and various other Single Resident Occupancy facilities targeting individuals at highest risk of homelessness.
"ACTION has the privilege of stabilizing current housing and providing safe shelter for thousands annually in the Pittsburgh region, but that work is at risk as COVID era funds dry up, but the needs continue," said Larry Swanson, ACTION-Housing Executive Director. "With the proposed expansion of HAP and other funding in the Governor's budget, those organizations on the front lines will have the ability to not just maintain our current levels of support but expand it to target high risk populations and ensure every Pennsylvanian has the ability to stay in their homes and be connected to the resources they need to stay housed."
Learn more about DHS’ housing priorities and resources.
Read the Governor’s full budget proposal.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brandon Cwalina - ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov
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