Affordable housing is an issue in many communities, especially for those struggling to pay basic household expenses.
In Centre County, several new housing projects are moving forward to help offset those issues.
Just outside of State College, along North Atherton Street, there is an area that, for decades, was a mobile home park.
While the area has since been cleared for new developments, nearby, affordable apartment buildings are in the works.
“There is quite a lot of land back there. I think there were plans from Patton Township to have some affordable housing component towards the back of that complex.”
In another housing program, boosted by more than a million dollars in county funding, there are more new projects in the works.
“We have roughly four in the greater State College area. Then two up in Philipsburg, and one in Snow Shoe.”
In some communities, affordable housing is coming through renovating existing structures, with businesses on the ground floor, and new apartments above.
“You’re providing affordable housing, historic preservation and keeping housing walkable to all kinds of services.”
But whether it’s termed affordable, or workforce housing, it’s more than just buildings. A key issue is who qualifies to move in, based on economic and other factors, and that differs among communities and the support programs involved.
“Our fair market in Centre County this year is a bit under twelve hundred dollars a month for a one bedroom apartment. Where surrounding counties are half of that.”
Centre County’s director of adult services, Faith Ryan, adds that one benefit of the various sized projects is more flexibility and options for families in need.