BUCKS COUNTY – November 15, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced the award of $1,957,500 in state grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Developments’ (DCED) Neighborhood Assistance (NAP) Tax Credit Program for projects administered by Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, Philabundance, and Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania. 

Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County was awarded $101,250 to repair 40 homes to be safer, securer and more accessible for low income families- including elderly and disabled residents. These repairs include 25 Safe Home Repairs, 10 Critical Repairs and 5 Keystone Accessibility (Access) Repairs. Safe Home Repairs focus on repairs to assist older and disabled homeowners to live safely at home. Critical Repairs focus on roof replacement and major system repairs. Access Repairs are ramp/lift installations or modifications to rooms to make a home more accessible to residents. Repairs are expected to impact 76 residents who can remain in their homes for a longer period of time. 

Philabundance was awarded $1,801,250 to combat food insecurity in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties. Philabundance meets the needs of its region by strategically distributing food through our network of 355 community agencies. In addition to food distribution, Philabundance also works to tackle the root causes of poverty and improve their clients’ access to other services through collaborations with organizations that offer essential services such as education, financial literacy, and housing. 

Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (LASP) was awarded $55,000 to increase the number of residents in a target area of Lower Bucks County who have skilled legal help in resolving serious problems that impact their livelihoods, housing, family stability or personal safety. LASP anticipates serving an additional 100 people in the target area. Of these, about 40 will receive tangible benefits such as maintaining housing, successfully appealing a benefits denial, or obtaining a protection order. 60 will benefit from legal advice that is specific to their situation.  

“I am proud to join my Bucks colleagues in the House and Senate in supporting state funding for the life saving work being done by Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, Philabundance, and Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania. The work these organizations do on behalf of Bucks County residents year-round is essential in the fight against homelessness and food insecurity,” Sen. Santarsiero said.

The Neighborhood Assistance (NAP) Tax Credit Program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Developments (DCED), encourages businesses to invest in projects which improve distressed areas. To learn more about the Neighborhood Assistance (NAP) Tax Credit Program, visit the DCED website.  

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