Pennsylvania is facing a critical shortage of at least 38,000 supportive housing units, leaving thousands of individuals and families without the stable housing and services they need.
Homelessness in Pennsylvania increased by over 12% in 2024, reflecting the growing strain on crisis systems such as shelters, emergency rooms, jails, and institutional care. Without access to housing and services, many people remain caught in cycles of instability that carry high personal and public costs.
Advocates are urging the state to create a dedicated Supportive Housing Operations Fund, which would fund more housing and services across the state, particularly for people with disabilities or complex health needs.
Timeline of Advocacy Wins
- May 2023: The Coalition published the Pennsylvania Supportive Housing Policy Platform, outlining key policy priorities.
- 2023–2024: The Coalition successfully advocated for Pennsylvania’s application for an 1115 Medicaid Waiver, which was approved in 2024.
- 2024: Following Coalition advocacy, Governor Shapiro established an Interagency Council to Prevent and End Homelessness (ICH) and launched Pennsylvania’s first statewide housing action plan.
- 2024–2026: The Coalition provided recommendations to strengthen supportive housing provisions within LIHTC and the State Affordable Housing Tax Credit programs.
- 2026: The Coalition began advocating for a Pennsylvania Supportive Housing Operations Fund to fill funding gaps in housing operations and services.
- June 2026: The Coalition launched the Pennsylvania Messaging Campaign.
How does the SSTF work?
- Funds critical support services that aren’t covered by Medicaid.
- Improves the timeliness and coordination of services to make service delivery more efficient & effective.
Related Resources
May 12, 2026
The PA Supportive Housing Coalition applauds the Shapiro Administration for issuing an executive order in September of 2025 to create a statewide housing action plan…
September 23, 2025
This critical resource will identify the need for the creation of 38,000 units of supportive housing, the anticipated cost of addressing this need, and recommendations…
September 9, 2025
These recommendations encompass a statewide action plan to end homelessness and address Pennsylvania’s need for supportive housing. These recommendations incorporate feedback from the Pennsylvania Supportive…
Pennsylvania Supportive Housing Coalition
CSH leads the Pennsylvania Supportive Housing Coalition, a statewide coalition working to advance policy priorities on funding and collaboration. The Coalition’s priorities are shaped by the contributions of more than 300 people, representing more than 150 organizations from 52 counties. The Coalition includes advocates, developers, providers, and people with lived experience who are working together to advance proven solutions like supportive housing.
See More Examples of State Supportive Services Funds
Michigan Supportive Services Transformation Fund
The Michigan FY27 budget includes a $5M investment in supportive services, building on the success of prior year investments.
Nevada Supportive Housing Development Fund
A permanent account in the state budget for investing in supportive housing.
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