#United States #Harrisburg #Fellowship #Pennsylvania Housing #Housing Policy

Applications Now Open for the 2027 Housing Policy Fellowship

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) has announced that applications are now being accepted for their prestigious 2027 Kathy A. Possinger Housing Policy Fellowship. This program aims to fund crucial research and support leadership development in the field of housing.

Fellowship Overview

The fellowship will provide financial assistance for up to 12 months, enabling selected researchers to delve into pressing housing or community development issues. Each fellow is eligible for a monthly stipend of $1,000, with a total funding limit of $12,000. This support allows researchers to engage in valuable activities such as expert consultations, gathering study materials, and attending relevant conferences.

Robin Wiessmann, the Executive Director and CEO of PHFA, highlighted the initiative's goal: "This fellowship is a springboard for bold ideas and fresh thinking. We're thrilled to support individuals who are prepared to tackle housing challenges that inspire them while advancing affordable housing solutions."

Honoring Kathy A. Possinger

Named to honor the legacy of Kathy A. Possinger, a prominent advocate for affordable housing, this fellowship aims to continue her vision of improving housing policies for Pennsylvania residents. Over her two-decade career, Possinger made significant contributions in both the public and private sectors, helping to shape the state's affordable housing landscape.

Previous fellows have explored a diverse array of topics, such as the impacts of property taxes on aging in place, cooperative housing models, the potential of land trusts, and the complex relationships between zoning laws and racial equity. This wide-ranging research helps inform and develop evidence-based housing policies that can positively impact communities across Pennsylvania.

Application Process

Interested candidates, who must be legal residents of Pennsylvania aged 18 or older (excluding PHFA staff and board members), can apply through the PHFA website. The application deadline is set for 5 p.m. on Friday, July 31.

Applications can be found at PHFA Fellowship Information. For any queries related to the fellowship program, candidates can reach out to Amy Sechrist at 717-780-3945 or via email at [email protected].

About the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

Since its establishment in 1972, PHFA has worked tirelessly to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and individuals with special housing needs. It has successfully generated over $20.1 billion in funding, leading to more than 210,310 home mortgage loans and the construction of over 113,200 rental units. By managing mortgage programs and investing in multifamily housing developments, PHFA also plays a role in bolstering economic development throughout the state.

Through this fellowship, PHFA continues its commitment to enhancing the quality of housing and community development across Pennsylvania while fostering the next generation of housing leaders.