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PHFA's Alarming Study on Pennsylvania's Affordable Housing

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) has published a study revealing critical concerns regarding the long-term viability of affordable rental housing across the state. This report, titled "Understanding and Preserving Federally Supported Housing in Pennsylvania," estimates that over 43,000 rental units face the loss of affordability within the next decade due to expiring restrictions on federally supported properties. This situation poses significant challenges in meeting the housing needs of residents in both urban and rural communities throughout Pennsylvania.

The Context of the Study

The study emphasizes the vital role federally supported housing plays in the state's housing market. According to the report, more than 180,000 affordable units exist within 2,885 developments across Pennsylvania; these units are crucial for providing residents with stable and affordable housing options. Various federal funding sources, such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and HOME funds, supply these units, but they come with time-limited affordability restrictions that are set to expire over time.

Key Findings Raising Alarm

One of the most striking findings of this study is that nearly one-third of all federally supported properties in Pennsylvania—around 43,000 rental units—are at risk of losing affordability. This trend is particularly concerning given that more units are on track to lose affordability than are being created through new federal subsidies. Here are some more highlights from the study's findings:

• - The average county in Pennsylvania has 23 federally supported properties housing approximately 1,029 units.
• - In 17 counties, the expiring units represent at least a third of all federally subsidized units in those regions.
• - A staggering 40% of currently supported units in certain counties are set to expire within the next ten years.
• - Rising living costs and stagnant federal funding could exacerbate the already tenuous situations of these rentals, potentially affecting their operation budgets and reducing the number of units available to low-income tenants.

The Call for Action

PHFA Executive Director Robin Wiessmann stressed the significance of understanding these risks, stating that housing stability is integral to both individual prosperity and broader economic health. The report aims to guide stakeholders in recognizing where investment is needed to preserve affordable housing in Pennsylvania. Additionally, insights gathered from this study will be instrumental in the ongoing efforts of PHFA and its partner organizations to prioritize funding and resources for housing initiatives throughout the state.

In response to this pressing need, PHFA is also developing an Affordable Housing Preservation Tracker, set to launch to the public in 2027. This tracker will serve as a resource for monitoring publicly financed rental housing affected by these affordability restrictions. The initiative is part of a broader strategy following the enactment of Pennsylvania's Act 21 of 2026.

Conclusion

The findings of the PHFA study are a clarion call for action among policymakers, community organizations, and housing advocates. With a growing number of families at risk of losing affordable housing, addressing these challenges will be crucial for securing stable and accessible housing options for all Pennsylvanians. For more insights and detailed information, the complete study is available online at the PHFA's official website (PHFA Housing Study).