“Housing costs are rising and the housing need is growing. We need to focus on a comprehensive solution... and policies that address the complex root causes of homelessness.”

“Safe, secure, and affordable housing is a basic necessity of life that impacts every community.”

Harrisburg, PA – After Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024-03(opens in a new tab) – establishing Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive Housing Action Plan – on Sep 12th, housing advocates and legislators praised the Governor “for taking both the broad and the long view,” saying that thanks to this plan, “our Commonwealth is showing itself as a model for our nation.”  

The Housing Action Plan aims to tackle the state’s growing affordable housing crisis, address homelessness, and enhance Pennsylvania’s competitiveness through a coordinated, multi-agency approach led by the Departments of Community & Economic Development (DCED) and Human Services (DHS).

Read more about Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order(opens in a new tab) to Create Pennsylvania’s First Housing Action Plan

Read what legislative leaders are saying about Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order to Create Pennsylvania’s First Housing Action Plan:

Senate Democratic Appropriations Chairman Senator Vincent Hughes: “In some neighborhoods, adequate housing is a challenge. In others, it’s a crisis. I applaud the Governor for taking both the broad and the long view, and I look forward to working with him to make sure we utilize good data and find new resources to meet the need of this crucial problem.”

House Majority Appropriations Chairman Representative Jordan Harris: "Safe, secure, and affordable housing is a basic necessity of life that impacts every community, from Philadelphia to rural areas across the Commonwealth. Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order marks an important step toward addressing the housing challenges we face. By developing a comprehensive Housing Action Plan, we can improve access to safe, affordable housing and tackle the root causes of homelessness. This initiative is critical not only for the economic stability of Pennsylvania but also for the well-being of families and individuals throughout our state." 
 
Philadelphia Delegation Chair Representative Morgan Cephas: "The Governor's Housing Action Plan builds on the House Democrats commitment to safe, secure, affordable housing and community development. With affordable housing in crisis across our state, these programs are crucial to keeping seniors and hardworking Pennsylvanians in their home. Reliable housing is crucial to steady employment, and a key to securing improved income with a stable, good-paying, family-sustaining job. The Philadelphia House Delegation and House Democrats will continue to fight for innovative ways to keep people housed and build safer communities."

Senator Nikil Saval: "This action could not be more timely. As the housing crisis reaches new heights, we hear of states and local governments struggling with what to do and failing the people who depend on them — but not here. This Executive Order shows the commitment of our Governor, and our government, to meet the real needs of our neighbors throughout Pennsylvania. Once again, our Commonwealth is showing itself as a model for our nation."

Read what the Shapiro Administration and housing advocates are saying about Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order to Create Pennsylvania’s First Housing Action Plan:

DCED Secretary Rick Siger: “DCED is excited to work with colleagues inside and outside state government to create an action plan that will increase the supply of workforce housing, boost the supply of affordable housing, and provide critical support for people who are currently unhoused. When we created the state's economic development strategy last year, we heard from stakeholders across Pennsylvania about the urgent need to address our housing challenges in a comprehensive way. The Housing Action Plan will provide a roadmap to increase Pennsylvania's economic competitiveness and complement our work to make the Commonwealth a top place to live, work, play, and innovate.”

DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh: “Being able to access and afford safe, reliable housing is essential to a family’s health, stability, and prosperity. This interagency collaboration, along with county and local partners, will simplify navigating housing support systems, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and improve our housing stock. Housing is inextricably linked to health outcomes, employability, and quality of life. Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order is a game changing opportunity to come together and invest in strengthening this critical infrastructure for our neighbors and our future.”

Donna Bullock, Chief Executive Officer, Project HOME: “Along with housing advocates and community members, I want to thank all of you and Governor Shapiro for having the will and vision to work together on this important issue. Housing costs are rising and the housing need is growing. We need to focus on a comprehensive solution and policies that address these rising costs and the complex root causes of homelessness.”

Mark Dambly, Chief Executive Officer, Pennrose Wynne Senior Residence: “I had the pleasure of knowing Governor Shapiro when he was a state representative, and he has always been a supporter of affordable housing. Pennrose was founded 50 years ago and has developed 45 communities throughout Pennsylvania, delivering 25,000 units for homeless individuals, families, and Veterans. We are fortunate enough to have a rich history of working together, and we are grateful for what Governor Shapiro was able to accomplish in the latest budget, which was very helpful to us.”

Robin Weissman, Chief Executive Officer, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency: “Our individual housing efforts by state agencies in the past have been considerable. But just imagine the good we can accomplish when these agencies have a singular vision guiding our efforts in the future. By unifying our efforts, we’ll ensure that all our housing investments can accomplish the most good.”

See what Pennsylvanians are reading about Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order to create Pennsylvania’s First Housing Action Plan:

Politics PA: Shapiro Signs Order Creating PA’s First Housing Action Plan(opens in a new tab)

City & State: Shapiro asks administration to develop statewide housing action plan(opens in a new tab)

Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Shapiro signs executive order to create plan to address Pennsylvania’s housing shortage(opens in a new tab)

The Meadville Tribune: Shapiro orders action plan to improve housing in Pa.(opens in a new tab)

Central Penn Business Journal: Shapiro Administration invests in affordable housing in Harrisburg