Tri-State Alliance Invests $8.4M to Combat Rising Homelessness

PITTSBURGH, PA – December 18, 2025 – As Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia grapple with a documented rise in homelessness, a powerful coalition has announced a significant financial intervention. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) and its state housing finance agency partners are injecting nearly $8.4 million in Home4Good grants to bolster 110 local programs dedicated to fighting housing insecurity.

The funding addresses a crisis that has become increasingly visible. In 2024, West Virginia saw its homeless population jump by 25% to its highest level in nearly a decade. Delaware’s count reached a record high, while Pennsylvania reported that over 50,000 school-aged children were homeless during the last school year. Against this backdrop, the grants aim to provide immediate relief and foster long-term stability for thousands of individuals and families.

FHLBank Pittsburgh contributed $6 million to the 2025 initiative, which was supplemented by an additional $2.4 million from its partners: the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), and the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF).

“These efforts to address homelessness through Home4Good are made possible by FHLBank’s partnership with housing finance agencies, our members, and local service providers,” said David G. Paulson, President and CEO of FHLBank. “This year, we’re extending more than $8 million throughout our three-state district to address homelessness and fund resources for individuals and families in need.”

A Coordinated Response to a Deepening Crisis

The Home4Good program is built on a multi-layered partnership model designed to channel funds efficiently to the front lines. FHLBank, one of 11 such banks created by Congress in 1932 to support housing finance, provides the core funding. This capital is then amplified by the state housing agencies, which bring regional expertise and additional resources to the table.

This collaborative structure is praised by state leaders for its effectiveness. “Housing insecurity and homelessness are two of the most pressing challenges facing our state,” said Matthew Heckles, Director of DSHA. “The Home4Good program, and the ongoing commitment from FHLBank and its members, provides critical resources to nonprofit groups working to fix the problem.”

The sentiment is echoed in Pennsylvania, where the state’s largest city, Philadelphia, saw a 38% increase in unsheltered homelessness in the past year. “The housing crisis impacts every Pennsylvania community,” said Robin Wiessmann, Executive Director and CEO of PHFA. “It is wonderful to once again work alongside FHLBank Pittsburgh to provide funding that will enable families and individuals most in need of housing to find a place to call their own.”

Crucially, the allocation process is guided by local Continuum of Care (CoC) agencies. These regional planning bodies coordinate services and ensure that grant applications address the most urgent local needs, from street outreach in urban centers to diversion programs in suburban and rural areas.

In West Virginia, where the partnership has delivered nearly $10 million since 2018, the impact is profound. “This funding through the Home4Good Program is life-changing for West Virginians struggling to keep a roof over their heads,” said Nathan Testman, Interim Executive Director at WVHDF. He noted the funds support much-needed services delivered through the state’s Continuums of Care.

From Prevention to Permanent Homes: A Look at the Impact

The $8.4 million is funding a wide spectrum of interventions. The 110 chosen programs reflect a strategic approach that goes beyond temporary shelter, focusing on prevention, rapid rehousing, and innovative support systems. The grants are tailored to the unique challenges of each community.

In Delaware, where Black residents are disproportionately affected by homelessness, over $1.5 million is being distributed. Grants will support organizations like Family Promise for homelessness diversion, Catholic Charities for rapid rehousing, and West End Neighborhood House for re-entry assistance, helping those leaving incarceration secure stable housing.

Pennsylvania receives the largest share, with $5.25 million distributed across the state. In Philadelphia, organizations like the Public Health Management Corporation and Friends Rehabilitation Program are receiving significant funds for prevention and diversion, directly targeting the city's rising homelessness. In Pittsburgh, a $342,000 grant to Community Human Services for an “Innovative Fund” and a $66,000 grant to SisTers PGH for trans-specific housing support highlight a focus on flexible and targeted solutions. The funding also addresses the alarming rise in youth homelessness, with organizations like Valley Youth House receiving grants in Lancaster, Lackawanna, and York counties.

West Virginia’s $1.625 million in grants will bolster efforts across the state. A major grant of $467,250 goes to the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness for its “Bridge to Home Project,” reflecting a large-scale, coordinated effort. Other funds will support programs like the Huntington City Mission’s case management and Project Rainbow’s outreach and recovery initiatives, addressing the complex interplay of housing, mental health, and substance use that drives homelessness in the region.

Investing in Stability: The Broader Economic Ripple Effect

This initiative is increasingly viewed not just as charity, but as a strategic investment in community well-being and economic stability. Housing experts argue that proactive measures like homelessness prevention and diversion, which are heavily funded by Home4Good, are far more cost-effective than the downstream costs associated with emergency services, healthcare, and the justice system.

By helping a family with a few months of back rent to prevent an eviction, these programs avert the immense personal and societal costs of that family entering a shelter system. For the over 50,000 homeless students in Pennsylvania, stable housing is a prerequisite for educational success and future workforce participation. For the working individuals in West Virginia—including nurses and mechanics—who find themselves without a home, these grants can be the critical bridge needed to avoid a devastating spiral.

This investment helps build a more resilient regional economy. When individuals have a stable place to live, they are better able to maintain employment, manage their health, and contribute to their communities. The Home4Good grants empower local organizations to provide the comprehensive support—from rental assistance and case management to job training and financial literacy—that turns a housing placement into a permanent success story. The collaborative funding model, leveraging both public mandates and private sector participation, demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing the root causes of the housing crisis, fortifying the entire tri-state region for the future.