Cook Announces State Funding for Housing Projects in Greene, Washington Counties

June 13, 2025

HARRISBURG – Rep. Bud Cook (R- Greene/Washington) today announced Greene and Washington Counties have received eight state grants totaling more than $1.5-million to assist with affordable housing, senior citizen housing and programs for those looking to achieve economic stability. The grants were approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program.

“I am grateful to see projects in our area have been chosen to receive funding and I look forward to seeing the money put to good use to support housing needs in our communities,” Cook said. “The funding from these grants is just one example of how drilling for gas in the Marcellus Shale can benefit us.”

The funding will be distributed as follows:

• Greene County Redevelopment Authority - $300,000 to continue to purchase blighted properties that are either demolished or repaired for low-income home buyers. 
• Greene County - $400,000 for the Support for Affordable Fixes and Enhancements (SAFE) Program, where low-income home buyers get assistance for repairs and bringing homes into code compliance.
• Blueprints - $125,000 to support the Housing Navigation Program in Greene and Washington counties, which helps low-income residents with housing and increases access to affordable housing.
• Blueprints - $150,000 to support the reentry program in Washington County and give those recently incarcerated housing support, job readiness and financial education.
• Blueprints - $50,000 – to support its financial planning program aimed at providing individuals with financial management, debt reduction and economic stability strategies.
• Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington - $100,000 for security enhancements at the Liberty Tower Highrise for the Elderly, which include upgrading an emergency alert system and updating security cameras.
• Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington - $200,000 for improvement projects at the Crest Avenue Apartments including repainting walls and ceilings, replacing carpeting, upgrading appliances in all units, upgrading lighting and enhancing the surveillance system in the facility.
• Washington County Housing Authority via the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington - $250,000 to replace 88 air conditioning units at the Nathan Goff Junior Apartments.

PHARE is funded by Marcellus Shale impact fees, realty transfer taxes and the National Housing Trust Fund. PHARE projects fall into seven target categories including tax credits, homeless prevention, homeownership, housing counseling and financial education, innovative housing solutions, preservation/rehabilitation/renewal, and rental housing creation.