NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH
National Fair Housing Month celebrates the passage of the Fair Housing Act, a national law that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, and gender. The Act was passed in in 1968 and amended in 1988 to include protections for people with disabilities and families with children.
Housing is a Fundamental Right
The Pennsylvania Senate Democrats will continue to fight for:
Equitable housing rights for all Pennsylvanians
Access to safe and affordable housing for all, including low-income earners and veterans
Transparency in laws, processes, and opportunities for homeowners and renters
An end to loopholes that perpetuate discriminatory and negligent practices by landlords
Financial assistance to help homeowners manage property costs and taxes related to rapid changes to neighborhoods and the effects of climate change
Pennsylvania Housing Grants and Assistance
Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF)
$350 million dollars is available to help Pennsylvania homeowners with mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, displacement, and utility disconnection due to hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible PA homeowners can receive a maximum of:
- $30,000 of PAHAF assistance to help with mortgage payments
- $5,000 for delinquent property taxes
- $3,000 for insurance premiums
- $5,000 for delinquent homeowner/condominium fees
- $3,000 or up to 24 months of assistance for delinquent utility bills
Funds will be distributed directly to mortgage lenders, servicers, utility providers and other authorized third parties.
Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit
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.
In October 2021, Governor Wolf announced awards totaling more than $43.6 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits, more than $7.4 million in PennHOMES funding, and more than $15.9 million in National Housing Trust Funds for the construction of 1,974 affordable multifamily rental units in Pennsylvania.
Home Investment Partnership Program
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.
Filing a Complaint Against Discrimination
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.
Our Priorites
2021-2022 Legislation
Senate Bill 460 – Establishing a Pennsylvania Community Reinvestment Act
Sponsored by Senator Vincent Hughes
This legislation would would require banks demonstrate that race plays no factor in their lending decisions. These disclosures would be public information and provide an additional factor in determining a bank’s compliance
Senate Bill 677 - Veterans' Homelessness
Sponsored by Senator Katie Muth
This legislation would bring the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) together to provide assistance to veterans who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of experiencing homelessness. Under this legislation, eligible applicants would receive a maximum of $1,000 per month in the form of a rental voucher for a period of 12 months.
Senate Bill 912 – Fair Chance Housing
Sponsored by Senator Nikil Saval
Fair Chance Housing legislation would prohibit landlords from conducting criminal background checks when screening prospective tenants and eliminate a crucial barrier preventing the successful return of incarcerated people who have served their sentences and deserve a full shot at a second chance.
Senate Bill 570 – Prohibiting discrimination based on an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
Sponsored by Senators Steve Santarsiero & Nikil Saval
This legislation would prohibit discrimination, including being denied housing, fired from a job, or excluded from public spaces based on an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Senate Bill 781 – Longtime Owner Occupant Tax Exemption Program (LOOP)
Sponsored by Senator Jay Costa
This legislation would allow Pittsburgh the option of enacting a Longtime Owner Occupant Program (LOOP) to help homeowners better manage property taxes in neighborhoods experiencing rapid change due to economic growth.
Senate Bill 1010 – "Survivor-centered, accessible, fair and empowering” (SAFE) Housing Trust Fund
Sponsored by Senator Vincent Hughes
This legislation would establish the SAFE housing trust fund that would benefit victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, human trafficking and stalking.
Senate Resolution 159 – Resolution to Study the Impact of Housing and Health Quality
Sponsored by Senator Jay Costa
This resolution would authorize the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) to conduct a study on the impact of housing on health quality. The LBFC study would examine health care costs associated with substandard housing and how much public and private funds can be saved by addressing the problem. It would also examine how housing and health connections and financing can be integrated to produce appropriate affordable housing that is linked to both the local health care and social service systems with the objective of improving life situations and reducing health and social service costs.
Senate Bill 627 – Property Tax Rebate for Baby Boomers
Sponsored by Senator Wayne Fontana
This legislation would implement a property tax rebate for the baby boomer generation. To qualify for a rebate, an individual must be a Pennsylvania resident who is 66 years and older, whose income is $66,000 and under, and who has lived in their home for 6 years or more.
Senate Bill 853 - Recent Veterans Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Sponsored by Senator Katie Muth
This legislation would establish a veteran property tax and rent rebate program. This program would be modeled after the Pennsylvania property tax and rent rebate program for seniors. It would be offered to service members ending active status and entering civilian life or honorably discharged within the past three years.
Senate Bill 1135 – Whole Home Repairs Fund
Sponsored by Senator Nikil Saval
This legislation would create a Whole Home Repairs Fund administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. The Fund would allow providers to assess and address homes holistically by creating a one-stop shop for home repairs.
Our Members at Work
Senator Santarsiero Applauds $512,761 State Investment to Assist Bucks County Residents Experiencing Homelessness
BUCKS COUNTY – July 20, 2021 − Governor Tom Wolf today announced four organizations in Bucks County are getting a boost from state funds as part of a $1.5 million statewide investment to assist Pennsylvanians experiencing homelessness and prevent future...
Comitta, Williams Announce State Funding for Housing Programs in Coatesville and Chester County
HARRISBURG – June 22, 2021 – A new program in the City of Coatesvillle will support residents and homeowners struggling to maintain or repair their homes thanks to $500,000 in state funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Representative Dan Williams said...
Fontana Announces $3M for Home Ownership Efforts in Region
HARRISBURG, June 11, 2021 – Local organizations that help low-income homebuyers achieve their dream and help others stabilize their lives, will receive $3 million in state funding to advance their efforts, state Sen. Wayne D. Fontana announced today. “Home ownership...
Senator Costa Announces $750K In State Funding for Housing Projects
Pittsburgh, Pa. - June 10, 2021 − Senator Jay Costa today announced the award of $750,000 in state funding for local housing projects in Wilkinsburg and Hazelwood. “These communities have incredible potential just waiting to be unlocked, and today’s awards will help...
Senator Kane Announces $200,000 Grant for Silvercare Senior Housing
May 26, 2021 – Senator John Kane (D, Delaware/Chester) today announced Silvercare Senior Housing project in Delaware County will receive a $200,000 grant from the Commonwealth Finance Authority (CFA). The funds will be used to remediate harmful asbestos and mastic...
PA Senate Democrats Hold Policy Hearing on Systemic Housing Insecurity
Harrisburg – May 14, 2021 - At the request of state Senators Tim Kearney (D- Chester/Delaware) and Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia), the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a virtual public hearing on housing and the unhoused in Pennsylvania. “Everyone...
Fontana Home-Ownership Initiative Cleared for Full-Senate Vote
HARRISBURG - April 28, 2021 – An initiative originally introduced by state Sens. Wayne Fontana and Bob Mensch to boost first-time home ownership has cleared a key committee and is headed again to the full Senate for a vote. The plan will allow individuals and their...
Senator Santarsiero to Introduce Legislation to Help Pay Off Student Loans for New Pennsylvania Homeowners
BUCKS COUNTY – April 16, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced today that he will be introducing legislation to help young adults become Pennsylvania homeowners. The legislation, known as the Put Down Roots in PA Act, would pay off up to...
PA Senate Democrats Hold Hearing on the Effects of COVID-19 on PA Housing Crisis
Harrisburg – March 31, 2021 - At the request of state Senators Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia), Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia), and Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia), the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a virtual public hearing on the effects...
Pa Senators Put Forth Bold Legislation to Keep Residents in their Homes
HARRISBURG, PA − March 23, 2021 − New legislation introduced by Senators Katie Muth (D–Montgomery/Chester/Berks), Steve Santarsiero (D–Bucks), and Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) will ensure Pennsylvanians are able to stay safely housed...
Senate Democrats Correct Record on Housing Assistance Program
Pennsylvania − December 22, 2020 − Pennsylvania Senate Democrats seek to correct the record regarding the failure of the General Assembly to address housing insecurity due to COVID 19. Recent press coverage has outlined that $108 million of $175 million intended...
Senator Haywood, Hughes, Street announce $175 million housing assistance program
Senator Haywood Comments on Legislation in Support of State Housing Tax Credits
Harrisburg – January 29, 2020 – State Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) released the following statement about legislation passed in the State Senate to increase affordable housing in Pennsylvania: “Prior to joining the State Senate, I was a lawyer for...

Senator Santarsiero Applauds $512,761 State Investment to Assist Bucks County Residents Experiencing Homelessness
BUCKS COUNTY – July 20, 2021 − Governor Tom Wolf today announced four organizations in Bucks County are getting a boost from state funds as part of a $1.5 million statewide investment to assist Pennsylvanians experiencing homelessness and prevent future...
Comitta, Williams Announce State Funding for Housing Programs in Coatesville and Chester County
HARRISBURG – June 22, 2021 – A new program in the City of Coatesvillle will support residents and homeowners struggling to maintain or repair their homes thanks to $500,000 in state funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Representative Dan Williams said...

Fontana Announces $3M for Home Ownership Efforts in Region
HARRISBURG, June 11, 2021 – Local organizations that help low-income homebuyers achieve their dream and help others stabilize their lives, will receive $3 million in state funding to advance their efforts, state Sen. Wayne D. Fontana announced today. “Home ownership...
Senator Costa Announces $750K In State Funding for Housing Projects
Pittsburgh, Pa. - June 10, 2021 − Senator Jay Costa today announced the award of $750,000 in state funding for local housing projects in Wilkinsburg and Hazelwood. “These communities have incredible potential just waiting to be unlocked, and today’s awards will help...
Senator Kane Announces $200,000 Grant for Silvercare Senior Housing
May 26, 2021 – Senator John Kane (D, Delaware/Chester) today announced Silvercare Senior Housing project in Delaware County will receive a $200,000 grant from the Commonwealth Finance Authority (CFA). The funds will be used to remediate harmful asbestos and mastic...

PA Senate Democrats Hold Policy Hearing on Systemic Housing Insecurity
Harrisburg – May 14, 2021 - At the request of state Senators Tim Kearney (D- Chester/Delaware) and Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia), the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a virtual public hearing on housing and the unhoused in Pennsylvania. “Everyone...

Fontana Home-Ownership Initiative Cleared for Full-Senate Vote
HARRISBURG - April 28, 2021 – An initiative originally introduced by state Sens. Wayne Fontana and Bob Mensch to boost first-time home ownership has cleared a key committee and is headed again to the full Senate for a vote. The plan will allow individuals and their...

Senator Santarsiero to Introduce Legislation to Help Pay Off Student Loans for New Pennsylvania Homeowners
BUCKS COUNTY – April 16, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced today that he will be introducing legislation to help young adults become Pennsylvania homeowners. The legislation, known as the Put Down Roots in PA Act, would pay off up to...

PA Senate Democrats Hold Hearing on the Effects of COVID-19 on PA Housing Crisis
Harrisburg – March 31, 2021 - At the request of state Senators Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia), Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia), and Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia), the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a virtual public hearing on the effects...

Pa Senators Put Forth Bold Legislation to Keep Residents in their Homes
HARRISBURG, PA − March 23, 2021 − New legislation introduced by Senators Katie Muth (D–Montgomery/Chester/Berks), Steve Santarsiero (D–Bucks), and Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) will ensure Pennsylvanians are able to stay safely housed...

Senate Democrats Correct Record on Housing Assistance Program
Pennsylvania − December 22, 2020 − Pennsylvania Senate Democrats seek to correct the record regarding the failure of the General Assembly to address housing insecurity due to COVID 19. Recent press coverage has outlined that $108 million of $175 million intended...
Senator Haywood, Hughes, Street announce $175 million housing assistance program

Senator Haywood Comments on Legislation in Support of State Housing Tax Credits
Harrisburg – January 29, 2020 – State Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) released the following statement about legislation passed in the State Senate to increase affordable housing in Pennsylvania: “Prior to joining the State Senate, I was a lawyer for...