Housing Services
Nursing Home Transition Tenant Based Rental Assistance (NHT TBRA)
PHFA has partnered with the Department of Public Welfare Office of Long Term
Living to create a temporary rent subsidy for income eligible people transitioning
out of a nursing home. This Nursing Home Transition Tenant Based Rental Assistance
(NHT TBRA) is available for income eligible consumers that need a temporary
rental subsidy for them to move into the community. The NHT TBRA is designed
to provide rental assistance for up to 24 months for those consumers on a waiting
list for a permanent housing subsidy. For more information on how to access
this resource on behalf of NHT consumers, refer to the Frequently Asked Questions
and the NHT Team Instruction documents. Further assistance can be provided
by e-mailing TBRA or calling PHFA at 412.429.2842.
Empowering Residents in Energy Conservation Toolbox
In an effort to lessen the impact of rising energy costs on Pennsylvania's affordable housing stock, PHFA has developed the resources below. The Toolbox is designed to assist property staff in their efforts to engage residents in energy conservation. PHFA believes resident engagement is crucial to lowering utility costs and positively affecting the future of affordable rental housing. That is why PHFA encourages owners and property management companies to integrate energy conservation education into the ongoing operation and management of affordable rental housing. The toolbox includes:
Prepared Renter Program
A collaborative effort of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and the Self-Determination Housing Project of Pennsylvania, Inc. (SDHP). SDHP is the lead agency responsible for statewide implementation and operation of the project. Please contact Mary at SDHP for more information.
Service Coordinators/Providers
PHFA believes that services for residents play a critical role in the success of affordable rental housing. No matter how that success is defined, whether in terms of resident quality of life and self-sufficiency or in the financial health of the development, services can make the difference between success and failure. And that is why PHFA encourages developers, owners, and property management companies to integrate social services into the ongoing operation and management of affordable rental housing.
A well thought out service plan benefits the residents and the property. By helping residents meet the terms of their lease, the property gains a more stable resident population while enhancing its value and image in the community. The benefits that accrue to the property may exceed the costs of the services with a direct and positive impact on the developments bottom line.
PHFA's Housing Services Department works with developers, owners, and property managers to improve and enhance services for residents at all developments within the Agency's portfolio. The department encourages properties to create and implement service plans that address the needs of the resident population and work in collaboration with organizations available in the community. This is accomplished in three broad areas:
- Application. During and prior to the application for funding, Housing Services Department staff is available to provide technical assistance to assist in the development of a viable plan of services for the proposed development.
- Monitoring. After funding, the Housing Services Department assists in monitoring sites, verifying that service commitments are met, and improving supportive service programs in the Agency's portfolio.
- Training and information services. The Housing Services Department emphasizes training and information exchange to improve service delivery. The annual statewide Housing Services conference, regional workshops, and networking forums are the foundation of the department's training efforts. Other formats used to circulate the latest information include the monthly electronic news service Quick Connections; the Housing Services electronic bulletin board; program manuals; and, Web-based information.
For questions regarding housing services, please contact staff in the Housing Services directory.
PHFA encourages developers in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program to partner with these Local Lead Agencies to establish a referral system for targeted units in their developments (see guidance on affordable and accessible units, and Tab 12). By serving in a clearinghouse role for a variety of service provider agencies in the county, Local Lead Agencies can provide qualified referrals for available units in a timely fashion.