PHFA Unveils Enhanced Program Dashboard to Monitor the Status of the Pa. Homeowner Assistance Fund

PHFA unveils enhanced program dashboard for Pa. Homeowner Assistance Fund! Track homeownership progress and seize financial security!

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 28, 2023 — The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) unveiled an updated program dashboard, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to track the progress of the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF). The PAHAF is a vital pandemic-relief initiative designed to extend financial support to qualified homeowners, assisting them with mortgage payments and housing-related expenses during these challenging times.

The upgraded dashboard seamlessly merges data from the previous third-party vendor, who previously administered the program, with current PHFA program data. This integration represents a crucial step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in the program’s operations, reflecting the PHFA’s commitment to serving the needs of the community responsibly.

Accessible at https://pahaf.org/program-dashboard/, the newly launched dashboard promises to be a valuable resource for various stakeholders, including applicants, advocates, community partners, policymakers, and the media. By offering real-time updates on the distribution of funds to eligible homeowners, the dashboard enables a comprehensive view of the program’s efficiency and its impact on assisting those in need. The PHFA aims to update the dashboard at least on a monthly basis, providing a continuous flow of information to the public.

The feature-rich dashboard provides valuable insights into the following key metrics:

1. Total Funds Disbursed: The cumulative amount of financial assistance distributed to households across Pennsylvania to date.

2. Remaining Assistance Funds: The total sum available for providing further aid to qualified homeowners in Pennsylvania.

3. Submitted Applications: The overall number of households that have submitted applications seeking assistance through the PAHAF program.

4. Households Assisted: The total count of households that have received financial support through the program thus far.

5. Geographic Distribution: A detailed map highlighting the disbursement of funds by county, providing a clear visualization of the program’s impact across the state.

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the user experience, PHFA plans to introduce additional interactive capabilities to the dashboard in the coming weeks. Among these enhancements will be the ability to explore more detailed information on a county-by-county basis, allowing stakeholders to delve deeper into the program’s impact within specific regions. Moreover, the dashboard will offer detailed breakdowns of the various types of assistance provided to eligible homeowners.

Commenting on the initiative, Robin Wiessmann, PHFA’s Executive Director and CEO, emphasized the agency’s steadfast commitment to its mission of providing Pennsylvanians with access to decent, safe, and affordable housing for the past five decades. Wiessmann highlighted the PHFA’s current efforts to expedite the process responsibly, ensuring eligible homeowners receive timely support, and underscored the agency’s dedication to promoting transparency in this critical program.

As the PAHAF continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of homeowners facing financial hardship, the enhanced program dashboard stands as a testament to the PHFA’s dedication to public service and its unwavering commitment to serving the community during these challenging times.

For more information and to explore the program dashboard, visit https://pahaf.org/program-dashboard/.

Date: July 28, 2023

Earlier this spring, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) made a significant strategic move by transitioning the complete management of the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF) from a third-party vendor to its in-house team. The primary objective behind this move was to streamline and expedite the process of providing financial assistance to eligible homeowners in Pennsylvania. As part of the transition process, PHFA diligently worked to fortify program procedures, conducted comprehensive training for a dedicated call center staff, and integrated the advanced Neighborly software system. These measures aimed to enhance the agency’s ability to efficiently track and process PAHAF applications, ensuring that support reaches those in need as swiftly as possible. As of the latest update, the program has already distributed a substantial amount of $128.6 million and has assisted an impressive count of 11,222 households across the state of Pennsylvania.

About PHFA: The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency has been steadfastly committed to its mission of making affordable homeownership and rental housing options accessible to various segments of the population. Their focus extends to older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and individuals with specific housing needs. The agency achieves its goals through well-managed mortgage programs and strategic investments in multifamily housing developments, thus catalyzing economic development throughout the state. Since its establishment by the legislature in 1972, PHFA’s efforts have resulted in an impressive impact. They have successfully generated over $17.3 billion in funding, supporting more than 193,800 single-family home mortgage loans. Additionally, the agency’s involvement in the construction of 103,328 rental units has provided critical housing solutions. The commitment to local communities is evident in their distribution of approximately $239 million to support various housing initiatives, further enhancing the quality of life for residents. Notably, PHFA’s initiatives have played a pivotal role in preventing foreclosure for over 50,660 families, securing their homes and stability.

It is important to emphasize that PHFA’s operations and programs are primarily funded through the sale of securities and fees paid by program users, ensuring financial independence and self-sustainability. As a result, PHFA’s impactful efforts are not reliant on public tax dollars. The agency operates under the governance of a 14-member board, which oversees its activities and ensures the fulfillment of its mission to serve the housing needs of Pennsylvanians.

With its strong commitment to affordable housing, economic growth, and financial independence, PHFA continues to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families throughout the state. The recent steps taken to strengthen the PAHAF program and its successful distribution of funds reflect PHFA’s dedication to promptly providing crucial support during times of need. Through innovative initiatives and strategic investments, PHFA remains a beacon of hope for those seeking housing solutions and financial stability in Pennsylvania.