About PHFA

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable homeownership and rental apartment options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs. Through its carefully managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, as well as funding provided for community development projects, PHFA also promotes economic development across the state.

Since its creation by the legislature in 1972, PHFA has generated more than $17.6 billion of funding for more than 195,250 single-family home mortgage loans, helped fund the construction of 103,328 rental units, distributed approximately $289 million to support local housing initiatives, and saved the homes of more than 50,860 families from foreclosure. PHFA programs and operations are funded primarily by the sale of securities and from fees paid by program users, not by public tax dollars. The Agency is governed by a 14-member board. * These figures were last updated on Nov 14, 2023.

PHFA is a state-affiliated agency. Our employees do not participate in the state pension program and do not participate in the Commonwealth's employee benefit programs. PHFA's programs and operations are funded through the income we generate through investment activity, through program fees and through financing programs. As a mission-driven agency providing affordable housing products to the citizens of the Commonwealth, we offer programs and administer funds on behalf of state, federal government, and tax related programs and we receive fees to deliver these programs.

The PennWATCH law was enacted to enable citizens of the Commonwealth to review state related activities, funding levels and expenditures. PHFA believes that transparency is important in maintaining the trust of the citizens of the Commonwealth; therefore, PHFA publishes our corporate budget on our website and makes relevant records accessible through PennWATCH.

In addition to its major programs, PHFA conducts housing studies, promotes counseling and education for renters and homebuyers, encourages supportive services at apartments it has financed, administers rent subsidy contracts for the federal government, and acts as an advocate to promote the benefits of decent, affordable shelter for those who need it most.

PHFA also has a significant effect on employment. Its homeownership and multifamily rental programs offer vendors excellent business opportunities in the fields of real estate sales, development, law, construction, architecture, engineering, lending, housing management, and related disciplines. Other PHFA-related measures affect employment and industry in a wide variety of fields and professional disciplines.

PHFA, through its efforts, helps make the Commonwealth a great place to call home.

Mission Statement

In order to make the Commonwealth a better place to live while fostering community and economic development, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency provides the capital for decent, safe, and affordable homes and apartments for older adults, persons of modest means, and those with special housing needs.

PHFA Management

PHFA employs a staff of more than 300 individuals organized into three functional groups: Finance and Administration; Multifamily Housing Development; and, Homeownership Programs. PHFA maintains its headquarters in Harrisburg, with regional offices in Norristown and Pittsburgh.