Comitta Announces State Funding to Promote Affordable Housing and Prevent Homelessness

June 15, 2026

West Chester, PA (June 15, 2026) – Thirteen Chester County organizations working to prevent homelessness, promote affordable housing, support emergency shelters, and help people achieve financial self-sufficiency were awarded more than $2.9 million in total state funding to support their efforts, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced today.

“As families continue to grapple with rising inflation and increased costs on everything from gas to groceries to utility services, many have less money at the end of the month to pay for rent, mortgage payments, or necessary home repairs,” Comitta said. “These investments can help people stay in their homes, access emergency shelters, and enhance affordable housing opportunities, so that everyone has a safe and healthy place to live.”

The funding was approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program.

The 2024-25 state budget included a $10 million annual increase until 2027 for the PHARE Fund, raising the cap to $100 million by 2027.

“PHARE is one of the most effective tools we have to expand access to safe, affordable housing in every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “That’s why we’ve nearly doubled our investment in PHARE, giving local communities more resources to meet those needs, tackle the housing crisis, and help more Pennsylvanians stay in their homes.”

The grants, which supported 17 projects in the 19^th Senatorial District, are as follows:

• $200,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Chester County to provide vital repair services to 10 families. The Habitat Home Repair program addresses critical health and safety issues in their homes, accessibility issues for seniors and people with disabilities, and housing code violations. The program is designed to serve struggling homeowners by alleviating substandard living conditions and preserving existing affordable housing stock.

• $50,000 for North Star of Chester County to prevent homelessness and promote self-sufficiency for working single-parent families. The program provides ongoing rental assistance, paid directly to landlords, to help families maintain housing, as well as funding for children’s programs, gas and grocery gift cards, and access to an office pantry. In addition, case managers offer budget counseling and financial mentorship to guide parents toward financial independence.

• $125,000 for the W.C. Atkinson Memorial Community Service Center to prevent homelessness through individualized intensive case management. The center takes a “housing-first” approach that includes providing shelter and a pathway to independence and stability.  

• $300,000 for renovations to the W.C. Atkinson Apartments, an 18-unit Low Income Housing Tax Credit community originally developed in 1991. The historically significant site remains a critical source of affordable housing in Coatesville.

• $80,000 for Open Hearth’s Continuum of Care Permanent Supportive Housing (CoC) Program, which provides rental and utility assistance as well as critical supportive services to approximately 72 households each year. The program prioritizes serving households facing significant challenges, including those already experiencing homelessness, heads of households who have disabilities, and those with criminal convictions or no income.    

• $300,000 for the Housing Partnership of Chester County to provide critical repairs and modifications for homes owned or rented by low-income residents. The program targets seniors in need of disability modifications, residents living in unsafe conditions, and residents managing a history of code violations that are a barrier to addressing safety concerns.

• $50,000 for the Housing Partnership of Chester County’s First Time Home Buyer and Financial Counseling Program , which provides free financial education to members of the community. Counseling is provided by a HUD-certified housing counselor (English or Spanish) and available to low- and moderate-income Chester County residents. Group financial education classes are offered throughout the county at various locations. Individual counseling and support are also available to income-qualified clients.

• $250,000 for Chester County Department of Community Development for the Pathways to Permanent Housing program, which supports the creative housing solutions fund, call center, consulting services, and vehicle maintenance, each of which is integral to address housing insecurity while contributing to the overall economic stability of Chester County.

• $100,000 for the Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children to support its emergency family shelter, the only in Chester County that accepts all family compositions and offers ADA-accessible units. In addition to providing apartment-style emergency housing, the organization helps families experiencing homelessness secure permanent housing, increase income, and build essential life skills.

• $150,000 for the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County’s homelessness prevention direct service programs, and to continue its Security, Safety, and Accessibility Project (SSA Project), which is currently funded through other public and private partnerships.

• $175,000 for Brandywine Valley Active Aging to provide fast, targeted interventions to quickly rehouse seniors and stabilize them in safe, dignified housing while longer-term affordability solutions continue to develop. The funds are expected to impact at least 30 households.

• $200,000 for Safe Harbor of Chester County to continue to deliver trauma-informed shelter, case management, clinical counseling, day programming, and rapid re-housing assistance for 150 adults each year. As the county’s largest shelter and only option for single women, Safe Harbor works to reduce homelessness and strengthen long-term housing stability for those facing the greatest barriers.

• $275,000 for the Housing Authority of Chester County to renovate 17 housing units to meet the urgent need for affordable housing in the County of Chester. With a housing waitlist of 2100, these funds will target homelessness and scarcity specifically for vulnerable groups, such as seniors, people with disabilities, and underserved populations in Chester County.

• $250,000 for the Housing Authority of Chester County’s Second Chance Academy. The program aligns immediate housing support and placement with intensive training, job assistance, and entrepreneurship coaching for individuals who are returning from incarceration, families experiencing homelessness, and households at risk of eviction.

• $300,000 for the Movement Community Development Corporation to rehabilitate and strengthen 28 naturally occurring affordable housing units across the City of Coatesville. The units collectively support low-income families, single mothers, veterans, and working-class residents, many of whom would face displacement without intervention.

• $75,000 for Good Samaritan Services to provide housing, resources, and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Lancaster and Chester Counties. Through emergency shelter, transitional housing, and affordable housing, participants stabilize, secure permanent homes, and achieve independence. The program also offers personalized case management, employment support, financial education, and mental health counseling to address the root causes of homelessness.

• $75,000 for Good Samaritan Services’ Counseling Program, which provides trauma-informed, client-centered therapy for individuals and families across Lancaster and Chester Counties who are overcoming homelessness, instability, and poverty-related challenges. The program integrates mental health support with housing stabilization services, ensuring clients receive holistic care that addresses both emotional and environmental needs.

The investments in Senate District 19 are part of $93.4 million in total funding awarded through PHARE to support 432 housing and community development initiatives statewide. In total, they will preserve 1,662 affordable housing units, create 49 new single-family homes, and support more than 134,000 families in danger of homelessness. At least $74.6 million (79 percent) of the $93.4 million allocated funds housing projects benefiting households with incomes below 50 percent of the area median income.

The PHARE Fund was established by Act 105 of 2010 to assist with the creation, rehabilitation, and support of affordable housing throughout Pennsylvania. The program receives funding from two sources, the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee and Realty Transfer Taxes. 

###

Comitta: SUN Bucks Program Helps Feed Children Over the Summer

June 10, 2026

West Chester, Pa (June 10, 2026) – The families of about 860,000 Pennsylvania children will begin receiving food assistance this week to help cover the cost of groceries while schools are closed for the summer, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.

Now in its third year, SUN Bucks (also known as Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program or Summer EBT) is a federal program that provides a one-time, seasonal benefit to families with children who receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year.

An estimated 1.3 million Pennsylvania children qualify for the program, which provides $40 per month per eligible child to cover the three summer months – June, July, and August – issued as a single $120 benefit.

“With rising inflation and cuts to SNAP and other important food assistance programs, accessing fresh, healthy meals is a growing problem for Pennsylvania families and children. And hunger does not take a summer vacation,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “When kids miss out on free or breakfast or school lunch programs over the summer, SUN Bucks can help families bridge the gap, ensuring young people get the nutrition they need to grow and thrive.”

In Pennsylvania, 1 in 6 children experience food insecurity. When school is not in session they may miss out on free breakfast and lunch programs,” said state Senator Carolyn Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “Sun Bucks provides important support to help families bridge the gap during the summer, so children maintain access to the nutrition they need to grow, thrive, and return to school ready to learn.”

Most eligible children will receive the benefit automatically and do not need to apply.  This includes children who already receive free and reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) during the school year.

Families can use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete an application. Households that need to apply to receive a benefit for Summer 2026 can apply using the application online or through their county assistance office.

Applications can be submitted anytime throughout the year, but the deadline to apply for Summer 2026 is August 31. Applications received after this date will be considered for next summer.

“The Shapiro Administration is committed to helping parents have the resources they need to keep their children fed so they can grow and thrive. The SUN Bucks program provides eligible households with critical dollars to help bridge the gap during the summer break and ensure that children have enough to eat,” said PA Department of Human Services (PA DHS) Secretary Val Arkoosh. “Be on the lookout for benefits and if your family did not get SUN Bucks last year, use our Eligibility Navigator to see if your family is automatically eligible or if you need to apply for SUN Bucks for this summer’s benefit.”

About $103 million in total food benefits are expected to be issued through SUN Bucks in Pennsylvania this summer. Additional issuances above the initial $103 million in benefits will occur on a rolling basis from July through September depending on when PA DHS receives individual applications and information on eligible families from school districts.

“Summer should be a season of opportunity for children: a time for reading programs at the library, camps, family experiences, summer jobs, and continued learning in every form. But kids can’t fully engage in those opportunities when they’re hungry,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “SUN Bucks makes it possible for families to stretch their grocery budgets when school meals aren’t available and for children to absorb every learning opportunity this summer offers.”

If families already have an EBT card, SUN Bucks benefits will be automatically added to this card, if possible. Families who do not have an EBT card will receive a Summer EBT card in the mail. If families lost or got rid of an EBT card from a previous summer and need a replacement, they can get one by calling the Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 or 1-215-560-7226 in Philadelphia. 

There are several ways for a child to be automatically eligible for SUN Bucks without needing to apply, including:

• Qualifying for SNAP or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF);
• Qualifying for Medicaid with qualifying income for NSLP; or,
• Being eligible for free or reduced-priced school meals.

For more information, call the SUN Bucks FAQ Line at 1-877-762-1575.

###

Comitta: Seniors Can Apply Now for Free Farmers Market Vouchers

June 3, 2026

West Chester, Pa (June 3, 2026) – Eligible Chester County seniors can apply now to receive vouchers for free locally grown fruits and vegetables through the Pennsylvania Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), State Senator Caroyn Comitta announced.

Each senior may receive five $5 vouchers for purchasing fresh Pennsylvania-grown fruits and vegetables at approved farmers’ markets. They may be redeemed through November 30, 2026.

About 10 percent of Pennsylvania senior citizens experience food insecurity, and many more do not consume the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, according to the USDA.

Meanwhile, a nutrient-dense diet is vital for seniors and can help lower the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, reduce fall risks, protect memory, maintain mobility, support bone density, accelerate wound healing, and build resistance against infections and acute illnesses.

“Chester County is home to dozens of farms and agricultural producers that offer fresh, healthy farm-to-table options. As we continue to face rising inflationary costs, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program can help older adults access locally-grown fruits and vegetables – the type of nutrition we all need to stay strong and healthy,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee.  

To qualify, you must be aged 60 years or older (or turn 60 by 12/31/2026) and meet household income eligibility guidelines. For a one-person household, total income cannot exceed $29,526. For a two-person household, total income cannot exceed $40,034.

Applicants must return the completed form (before September 15), to either mwebb@chesco.org or the Chester County Department of Aging Services, 601 Westtown Road, Suite 320, West Chester, PA 19380.

More than 979 farmers participate in the SFMNP in Pennsylvania.

You can locate a market that accepts SFMNP vouchers here: www.pameals.pa.gov/public/farmmarketsearch and are encouraged to look for the white SFMNP signs for participating vendors at markets and stands.

###

Property Tax Rent Rebate Application Deadline Extended

May 20, 2026

West Chester, Pa (May 20, 2026) – Senior citizens and adults with disabilities now have more time to get up to $1,000 back on property taxes and rent paid last year, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced today. 

The application deadline for the 2025 Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate application has been extended until December 31, 2026. 

“With so many of us focused on affordability, it’s important that residents know there are programs available, like the Property Tax/Rent Rebate, that help put money back in their pockets,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “Now, we’re extending this application deadline to help as many eligible residents as possible apply and get up to $1,000 back.” 

The program, funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, provides seniors 65 and older, widows/widowers 50 and older, and adults 18 and older with disabilities with a rebate on their property tax or rent paid in 2025. 

In addition to age requirements, an applicant’s household income must be $48,110 or less ​annually.  ​Half of Social Security income is excluded when determining income. 

Thanks to Act 7 of 2023, which Comitta supported and voted for, the program’s income limit is automatically increased to adjust for the cost of living so that no one loses eligibility due to the annual increase in Social Security payments.   

Interested applicants can apply online at PA.gov/PTRR or by completing the PA-1000 paper application. Property owners must submit copies of stamped, paid property tax receipts for 2025, and renters must submit a PA Rent Certificate, completed by a landlord or property manager, along with the application. 

Application assistance is available by appointment at Senator Comitta’s district office in West Chester or one of eight satellite outreach office locations throughout Chester County. To schedule an appointment, call Senator Comitta’s office at (610) 692-2112 or go to pasenatorcomitta.com/contact. 

“Through outreach events and regular office hours at my West Chester district office and mobile office hours, our team has helped return more than $28,200 to Chester County residents this year,” Comitta added. “Please give us a call or stop by our office at 17 E. Gay Street in downtown West Chester for assistance with your rebate application.” 

###

Twenty-Four Chester County High Schoolers Learn About State Government through Senator Comitta’s Student Advisory Council

May 18, 2026

West Chester, Pa (May 18, 2026) – Twenty-four students from across Chester County recently got a firsthand look at what it’s like to work in the Pennsylvania Senate as part of State Senator Carolyn Comitta’s Student Advisory Council. 

Now in its fourth year, the council brought together high school juniors from West Chester Area, Tredyffrin-Easttown, Great Valley, Downingtown Area, and Avon Grove School Districts, as well as students from the Episcopal Academy, the Baldwin School, and Fusion Academy to learn about state government and share their views, interests, and perspectives. Over the 12-week period, they learned about the operations of Senator Comitta’s office including developing legislative ideas, crafting media and communications strategies, understanding the budget process, and more. 

“As we wrap up the fourth year of our Student Advisory Council, it continues to be a highlight of my role as State Senator. Listening to and working with such driven, confident, and creative students in District 19 is eye-opening and inspiring,” said Comitta, a former public-school teacher who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “I learn so much from the young people on our council and I can’t wait to see what they achieve in the future.” 

The program culminated this spring with each student pitching their own legislative proposals. Topics ranged from expanding cancer screenings to establishing farm-to-table tax credits to placing social workers in libraries. 

Hannah Diem, a West Chester East High School student and class president, called her experience on the council impactful.

“I learned about the functions of state government from professionals, the senator and her incredible staff. The council developed my knowledge of government and politics while also allowing me to openly share what I cared about most and the changes I wish to see in my community,” said Diem, who proposed closing loopholes in private equity and healthcare as her legislative idea.

The students participated in activities including touring the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, volunteering at the West Chester Food Cupboard, meeting with a leading lobbyist to learn about effective advocacy, participating in a Senate Mock Policy Hearing, and advocating for legislation that they believe Senator Comitta should co-sponsor. 

Jack Myers, a Conestoga High School student, cross-country team member, and a cappella singer, reflected on the connections he made through the program. He presented a proposal for a permit-to-purchase firearm system.

“My favorite part about the Student Advisory Council was getting to meet so many amazing people. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about state-level government and public policy, and the members of the council were passionate about making change in our community,” Myers said. “I built meaningful friendships and still stay in contact with many of the people I met. The experience inspired me to think more creatively about solutions to the issues we face in Pennsylvania.” 

Each year, Senator Comitta hosts the Student Advisory Council from January to April, with applications opening in November. For more information contact: senator.comitta@pasenate.com. 

###

Comitta & Pa Secretary of State Discuss Licensing Music Therapists at WCU

April 21, 2026

West Chester, Pa (April 21, 2026) – Passing legislation to license professional music therapists in Pennsylvania would expand access to care and bring economic benefits to local communities, State Senator Carolyn Comitta and Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt heard at a roundtable discussion this week.

The event, organized by Comitta, the Pennsylvania Music Therapy Force, and the West Chester University Therapy Program, included comments from WCU music therapy students, staff, and alumni, as well as a music therapy demonstration.

Music therapy is an evidence-based healthcare profession that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease pain, and improve communication and social skills.

“Music therapy is a non-invasive, medication-free tool that can help people manage pain, process trauma, and recover from illness or injury,” Comitta said. “Music has a healing power and licensing music therapists in Pennsylvania will help more people live healthier lives.”

In the legislature, Comitta partnered with State Senator Elder Vogel to introduce Senate Bill 579, legislation that would offer professional licensure to music therapists in Pennsylvania, encouraging them to work and stay here. It is the companion legislation to House Bill 563, introduced by Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski.

Advocates say it would make music therapy available to more children and families, help ensure practitioners are trained and qualified, retain talented professionals, build up our workforce, lower the cost of care, and generate economic activity.

In fact, by establishing a music therapy license, Pennsylvania could regain approximately $7 million by retaining graduates and $135.4 million by enabling music therapists to bill appropriately, according to the Pennsylvania Music Therapy Task Force.

The bipartisan bill would establish a board-certification exam, continuing education requirements, and a code of ethics for trained music therapists seeking professional licensure under the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors.

Secretary Schmidt, whose department oversees professional licensure in the Commonwealth, remarked that the discussion and demonstration helped illustrate why licensure would help music therapists thrive rather than create obstacles to care.

Pennsylvania is currently home to more than 600 music therapists serving 49,000 residents each year. They assist clients with a variety of clinical needs, including Alzheimer’s disease, autism spectrum disorders, cerebrovascular accidents (strokes), dementia, depression, developmental and intellectual differences, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorders, terminal illnesses, traumatic brain injuries, visual impairments, and more.

In addition, the therapy roundtable, held in Philips Autograph Library, also featured comments from Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, President of West Chester University; Dr. Christopher Hanning, Dean, Wells School of Music; and representatives from the Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Music Therapy Association

Comitta: CCIU Health Care Career Training Program Awarded State Funding

March 9, 2026

West Chester, Pa (March 9, 2026) – The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) was recently awarded state funding to support a job training program for students interested in careers in health care.

The funding, which comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s (L&I) Schools-to-Work grant program, supports 17 projects statewide that will not only prepare high school students for a career but also ensure they have a clear path to employment upon graduation.

At the CCIU, it will support programs that deliver health career pre-apprenticeship training with industry credentials to students.

“Programs like this help bolster our health care workforce, reinforce our pipeline of skilled workers, and ensure students graduate with the necessary credentials, and real-world experience they need to succeed in in-demand fields and careers,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “I want to thank everyone at the CCIU and our Technical College High School campuses for their work in supporting and expanding these important apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities.”

The CCIU program is part of 17 projects statewide that were awarded more than $4.1 million in total Schools-to-Work grant funding.

The Schools-to-Work program bridges classroom learning with real-world opportunity, aligning training with in-demand industries and workforce needs across the Commonwealth. It also strengthens partnerships among school districts, career and technical centers, employers, workforce boards, and training providers to help students graduate with a clear pathway into their chosen field, registered apprenticeship, or post-secondary education.

“Schools-to-Work is about making sure students don’t just graduate with a diploma, but with direction,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, we have made workforce development for young Pennsylvanians a priority because we know early exposure to real careers changes lives. These investments connect students to hands-on experience, industry credentials, and employers, while strengthening the pipeline Pennsylvania businesses depend on to grow.”

Across the Commonwealth, this round of Schools-to-Work projects aligns training with high-demand industries, including skilled trades, health care, manufacturing, information technology, and education.

In addition, Governor Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget plan calls for doubling funding for the Schools-to-Work funding to $7 million

Over the past three years, Pennsylvania has registered 231 new pre-apprenticeships, enrolled nearly 18,000 new apprentices, and more than 39,000 Pennsylvanians have participated in apprenticeships, opening doors to stable, family-sustaining careers.

###

Comitta Announces Funding for Local Fire & EMS Organizations

February 25, 2026

West Chester, Pa (February 24, 2026) – Fire and emergency medical services organizations serving communities throughout Chester County were recently awarded state grant funding through the Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services (FCEMS) program, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.

In announcing the funding, Comitta also highlighted Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposal to make additional investments in fire and EMS companies in this year’s state budget.

The FCEMS program, administered through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, provides annual, formula-based funding to eligible volunteer and paid fire, EMS, and rescue organizations, with grants up to $20,000 for fire companies and up to $15,000 for EMS companies. 

This year, fire and EMS organizations serving the 19^th Senatorial District, which Senator Comitta represents, were awarded more than $600,000 in total funding through the FCEMS program. The funds were part of $37 million in total grant funding awarded to more than 2,500 eligible applicants statewide.  

“We depend on fire, EMS, and rescue organizations to keep our communities safe and to answer the call of duty whenever dangerous and life-threatening situations arise,” Comitta said. “They rely on this annual funding to maintain their services. Now, it’s time that we build on these investments to ensure that our emergency first responders are trained, equipped, and ready to do their jobs safely and effectively.”

Under the program, funds can be used for construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, debt reduction, training and certification costs, public education about fire safety, and recruitment and retention, including volunteer firefighter length-of-service award programs and programs for minors. 

“Our firefighters and EMS personnel answer the call every day, often under challenging conditions and with limited resources. This investment reflects the Shapiro Administration’s continued commitment to supporting the fire and EMS services that Pennsylvanians rely on in emergencies,” said State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook. “Fire and EMS companies are facing increased call volumes, rising costs, and ongoing recruitment and retention challenges. These grants help ensure departments can maintain readiness, improve safety, and continue serving their communities effectively.”

In the 2026-27 state budget, Governor Shapiro is calling for an additional $30 million competitive grant program to build on and nearly double the investment through the FCEMS.

“Every single day, firefighters across Pennsylvania run towards danger to keep people safe from harm. We owe it to these Pennsylvania heroes to have their backs and stand by them,” said Governor Shapiro. “While the Commonwealth already provides funding for fire companies, the current system doesn’t allow departments to make major investments – these competitive grants would change that. Public safety is at the heart of our work as elected leaders, and when our communities are safe, we build a strong foundation for growth across Pennsylvania.”

Under Shapiro, the Commonwealth has awarded more than $140 million in FCEMS grants to eligible fire and EMS organizations.

Companies have until May 31, 2026, to submit their 2025-26 FCEMS Grant Agreements. All final reports (including all supporting documents) must be submitted electronically via the grant application by September 1, 2026. More information on the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grants program can be found online at https://www.osfc.pa.gov/

###