SHAMOKIN — SEDA-Council of Governments Housing Development Corporation on Friday received $450,000 from the 2024 Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, from the PA Housing Finance Agency, to jumpstart its Coal Region Innovation Builder project in the City of Shamokin.
The project is a mixed-use redevelopment project taking a vacant, historic building in Shamokin’s downtown core and turning it into a vibrant community hub that will ultimately include eleven energy-efficient, affordable housing units and a proposed business incubator to support the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This project will implement a rent structure that ensures accessibility for lower-income groups. By prioritizing affordable housing and the incubator space, the project will foster financial stability for low-income families and provide opportunities for community-based businesses, creating a lasting impact on household stability and the local economy.
The $450,000 PHARE funds will be used to initiate Phases I and II of the multi-year, multi-funded project, which is expected to cost more than $5 million once completed.
The PHARE funds received will cover the acquisition of the building, exterior renovations and the beginning development of the first two floors — the proposed incubator, one ADA-compliant housing unit on the first floor, and five additional housing units on the second floor.
Located in the heart of the downtown Independence Street streetscape project, the project is positioned to maximize impact by revitalizing housing options and commercial spaces as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance economic resilience in Shamokin.
This funding is part of a statewide initiative unveiled earlier this week by the state housing finance agency.
This year, the agency is distributing $73 million in PHARE funding to support 387 housing and community development projects across all 67 counties, reinforcing the commonwealth’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis and expanding access to safe, affordable housing.
RICK DANDES