State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced $350,000 in housing grants aimed at boosting affordability and reducing homelessness in Erie County.

The funds, awarded through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program, will support four local organizations:

   •Erie County Department of Human Services: $100,000 for the Landlord Incentive Program, offering bonuses and protections to encourage affordable rentals.

   •St. Martin Center, Inc.: $100,000 for the Solid Ground Initiative, providing rent, mortgage help, and financial literacy education.

   •Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC): $100,000 for expanded housing counseling and rural outreach under Project GECAC 2025.

   •Community of Caring: $50,000 for the Shelter and Beyond program, guiding individuals from emergency shelter to permanent housing.

“These funds will help more Erie County residents get and stay housed,” Bizzarro said.

The PHARE funding comes from Marcellus Shale Impact Fees and Realty Transfer Taxes.