Beyond the Brink: The Affordable Housing Crisis and Its Toll on Central Pennsylvania's Families
Noah Koch
Published Oct 10, 2025
The affordable housing crisis in Central Pennsylvania, exacerbated by the pandemic, is pushing families to the brink.
With over half a million state residents behind on rent and a significant number facing foreclosure, the situation is dire. The economic downturn has severely impacted low-income and minority communities, who have suffered the greatest job income losses, particularly in low-wage sectors like hospitality.
Long-standing issues of financial literacy, systemic discrimination, and barriers such as racial profiling further deepen the crisis, driving residents out of their historic communities due to unaffordable housing costs.
The Central Penn Business Journal highlights the essential role of housing in ensuring community health, economic participation, and the stability of society.
Emergency federal aid has provided short-term relief for renters and homeowners, but as the Keystone Newsroom points out, Pennsylvania’s approach to housing needs a fundamental shift.
Lawmakers underscore the necessity of treating housing as a human right, advocating for dedicated state funding and direct cash assistance to tenants to combat discrimination and provide sustainable solutions to the housing shortage.
Legal aid for eviction cases is also suggested as a means to support tenants and save on public expenditure for benefits and shelters.
Ultimately, the housing crisis is a complex challenge that calls for collective action and innovative policy-making.
Only through a concerted effort can the dream of affordable housing become a reality for all Pennsylvanians.
Weekly newsletter
Receive the latest releases and exclusive articles straight to your inbox every week.
Related Articles
View all posts
How to Buy a Home in 2026: Using FHA Grants to Bridge the Down Payment Gap...
As we move through 2026, the dream of homeownership remains a top priority for many, even as the housing market continues to evolve. While saving for a down payment is still the biggest hurdle ...
Wealthfront Launches A Mortgage Program...
Wealthfront, best known for its robo-advisor investing tools, is starting a mortgage program for some of its customers. The company says it aims to offer home loans with lower costs and competitive rates by using software to simpli...
A Simple Guide to Down Payment Assistance in 2026...
Buying a home can feel out of reach for many people, especially because of the upfront cost of the down payment. However, you don’t always need 20% down—sometimes much less is required, and there are progra...
How to Buy a House: A Guide for First-Time Home Buyers in 2026...
Buying your first home is a big step, and it’s important to know what to expect. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you understand the process, the benefits of being a first-time buyer, and yo...
Mortgage Rate Predictions for the Next 5 Years (2026–2030)...
When planning to buy a home, it's important to know where mortgage rates are headed. Experts look at several factors, especially the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield, which has a big impact on long-term mortgage...
Top Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Homebuyers in 2026...
If you’re thinking about buying a home in 2026, you may be wondering what will happen with mortgage rates. There’s some good news and some not-so-good news for home buyers: Mortgage rates are expected ...
