As of March 18, 2024, the PAHAF program has reopened and is accepting applications.  

Pennsylvania was awarded $350 million for the administration of the program and the disbursement of funds as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Currently, the Pennsylvania Housing Financing Agency estimates that $48-$50 million in remaining PAHAF funds will be available to eligible new applicants for pandemic-related mortgage reinstatement, forward mortgage assistance, tax assistance, and delinquent utility bills.

For more information on the program, eligibility, and how to apply, visit the PAHAF website, or check out this list of FAQs.

Last updated April 8, 2024

For more information on available funds and programs, visit the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency website.

HEMAP was created to protect Pennsylvanians who, through no fault of their own, are financially unable to make their mortgage payments and are in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure. HEMAP is a loan program to prevent foreclosure. It is not a grant. Funds loaned must be repaid. Recipients must be able to show that they have a reasonable prospect of resuming full mortgage payments within the required timeframe. HEMAP is funded by State appropriations and through repayment of existing HEMAP loans. Please note that FHA Title II (purchase) mortgages are not eligible under this program.

Two types of assistance are available to the homeowner depending on income and the financial situation:

• continuing mortgage assistance loans; and,
• non–continuing mortgage assistance loans.

PHARE is intended to assist with the creation, rehabilitation, and support of affordable housing throughout the Commonwealth.

For more information on the program, visit the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency website.

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program helps create affordable housing in the United States. Created by the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the LIHTC program gives State and local LIHTC-allocating agencies the equivalent of approximately $8 billion in annual budget authority to issue tax credits for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction of rental housing targeted to lower-income households. In Pennsylvania, the federal tax credits are administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and approved by its board.

Learn more online.

The Pennsylvania HOME Program is a federally funded program that provides municipalities with grant and loan assistance to expand and preserve the supply of decent and affordable housing for low- and very low-income Pennsylvanians. HOME funds can be used in a variety of ways to address critical housing needs in the Commonwealth, including market-oriented approaches that offer opportunities such as homeownership or rental activities to revitalize communities with new investment.

Learn more and apply online.

The Neighborhood Assistance Program is a tax credit program meant to encourage businesses to invest in projects which improve distressed areas.

A project must serve distressed areas or support neighborhood conservation. Projects must fall under one of the following categories: affordable housing programs, community services, crime prevention, education, job training or neighborhood assistance. A tax credit of up to 55% can be awarded.

Individuals can view the Neighborhood Assistance Program application checklist to help guide the application submission.

Learn more and apply online.

Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against or any representative of such a person may file a confidential complaint with the local government, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and/or HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity in Washington DC. More information is available from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.