Lycoming County is set to receive $400,000 in funding for housing and rental assistance programs.

The funds approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) are part of a $1.8 million allocation targeting five counties.

Lycoming County will receive $200,000 for the Supportive Housing Program and $200,000 for the Homes-In-Need Program provided by STEP Inc.

The Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) dollars are funded through state impact fees from natural gas drilling and revenues from the Realty Transfer Tax.

“The PHARE Fund was created specifically to address housing needs across the state, particularly across the Northern Tier,” said state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township. “I am thankful that we can direct a portion of the fees currently being paid by the natural gas industry toward this effort.”

The Supportive Housing Program assists Lycoming County residents facing eviction or mortgage foreclosure and those in need of housing accommodations with a goal of reaching 50 income-qualified customers.

Homes-In-Need assists flood victims with repairs to their homes.

The victims, referred by the Disaster Recovery Center and the county, include those who have failed to receive sufficient financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or their insurance company to make necessary repairs.

The work can include repairs targeting the structure or its plumbing, electricity and heating systems.

Other allocations include:

• Bradford County, Home Purchase and Repair Grant Program, $645,000.

• Sullivan County, Rental Assistance Program, $80,000.

• Union County, Bridges to Housing Stability, $100,000.

“When you look at the wide variety of projects being funded today, you have to be impressed with the many different ways these organizations are using their money to address local housing shortages and improve their communities,” PHFA Executive Director and CEO Brian A. Hudson Sr. said.