State Grant Boosts Housing Support in Cambria County

The Women’s Help Center in Johnstown is set to receive nearly $350,000 in state funding to strengthen housing support services across Cambria County.

Executive Director Roxan Tyger said the funding comes through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund. The total includes two grants secured with the support of State Representative Frank Burns, aimed at addressing homelessness in the region.

Of the total award, $150,000 will be used to sustain shelter operations at the Women’s Help Center, while the remaining $200,000 will fund a rental assistance program designed to help individuals and families secure stable housing.

Tyger noted that demand for services has continued to rise, driven in part by increasing living costs. The rental assistance program, which typically lasts six months, is intended to give participants time to stabilize financially and transition into long-term housing.

“Costs of living were already climbing, but inflation has made the situation even more challenging for many families,” Tyger said.

Over the past year, the center’s emergency shelter provided more than 11,000 nights of lodging to approximately 150 adults and 100 children. During the most recent funding cycle, the rental assistance program supported 45 families, including 32 children.

Individuals seeking rental assistance can begin the process by contacting the PA 211 hotline via text. From there, staff members work directly with applicants to assess their needs and connect them with available resources.

Tyger emphasized that both emergency shelter and rental assistance play a critical role beyond simply providing housing, helping improve overall stability and well-being for those served.

Looking ahead, the Women’s Help Center plans to continue applying for PHARE funding annually as the need for housing support in Cambria County remains strong.