Gov. Tom Wolf recently announced the recipients of a new round of funding made available through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund. He named 214 housing and community development initiatives in 67 counties that will share a portion of the $45.79 million in PHARE funding.

Friends Association is the recipient of two awards through this year’s PHARE funding allotment. The first will provide $310,000 to establish a new Diversionary Reentry House for women and children in Coatesville.

Jennifer Lopez, Friends Association’s Executive Director, knows firsthand how difficult it can be for women as they re-enter the community.

“Having a safe and secure place to call home upon reunification with children can be the vital key to successful reentry,” she said. “We know that access to affordable housing is a barrier to economic stability and self-sufficiency. This program will give women the space they need to re-establish critical bonds with their children and secure long-term stable housing.”

Prior to joining Friends in 2019, Lopez served as the county’s Deputy Chief of Probation, Parole, and Pretrial Services, administering programs that serve more than 10,000 justice-involved individuals. Her experience with this population gives her the unique qualification for the establishment of this visionary program.

Friends Association continues to be forward thinking and innovative, while addressing the needs of the community to end family homelessness in Chester County. This program will be the first of its kind, focusing specifically on women and children.

The second grant will provide $100,000 for Homelessness Prevention Programs throughout the county.

“Studies have shown that for every $1 we invest in keeping residents stable, the community realizes a savings of $4 in decreased assistance to individuals and families who lose their housing,” said Lopez. “PHFA is a leader in understanding that quality housing and supportive services go hand-in-hand and the value of preventing the life-altering, negative impacts of housing instability and eviction.”

Friends will utilize PHARE funding to provide targeted financial resources and intensive case management to prevent homelessness and eviction for rent-burdened families.

“The PHARE program is successful due to its flexibility and its ability to leverage local partnerships and leadership to effectively address broad housing needs,” said Gov. Wolf. “It encourages local organizations and elected officials to come together and jointly decide the best way to enhance their community’s housing stock. PHARE is making a positive difference across the state.”

PHARE funding is expected to impact nearly 2,000 Pennsylvania households through a variety of efforts.

“The current pandemic has demonstrated just how important affordable housing is and why we need more of it,” said Robin Wiessmann, CEO of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. “Since its start in 2012, PHARE has proven to be an invaluable funding source to help communities address their most urgent housing needs.”

Friends Association provides emergency shelter and programs to prevent homelessness for families with children in Chester County. Click here for more information or to support these initiatives.

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