Agency receives $300,000 for affordable housing

WEST CHESTER >> The Chester County Department of Community Development will receive $300,000 in state funding to continue implementation of its accessible housing program.

“These funds will go a long way in supporting important programs that provide affordable and accessible housing options here in Chester County to some of our residents who need them the most,” said state Sen. Andrew Dinniman, D-19.

The funds, provided by through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s the Keystone Communities program, will assist 30 applicants throughout Chester County who are below 80 percent of the median income.

Priority will be given to individuals whose household incomes fall at or below 50 percent of the median income and persons at or below 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. And CCCDCD will work with Housing Partnership of Chester County to carry out accessible housing services

The Chester County grant comes as part of the $5.5 million in state funding approved to support 43 Restoration, Façade, and Housing Projects across the Commonwealth.

The Keystone Communities program is designed to support local initiatives that grow and stabilize neighborhoods and communities, encourage the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors in the community, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

Since 2015, the program has funded $22 million for 131 projects statewide, including façade grants for businesses, accessible housing projects, public infrastructure improvements, and other projects to strengthen communities and downtown districts.