Expanding Access to Affordable Housing for People with Disabilities in Pennsylvania
For many Pennsylvanians with disabilities, finding an affordable, accessible place to live remains a major challenge. Housing is more than shelter—it’s the foundation for independence, stability, and participation in community life. Yet across the Commonwealth, far too many people with disabilities are struggling to secure homes that meet their needs.
A Persistent Housing Gap
According to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), more than 1.8 million Pennsylvanians live with a disability, representing nearly 15% of the state’s population. Yet affordable, accessible housing options remain scarce. A 2023 report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that Pennsylvania has only 39 affordable and available rental homes for every 100 extremely low-income renters (those whose income is 30% or less than the area medium income)—a shortage that disproportionately affects people with disabilities.
Because many individuals rely on fixed incomes such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), affordability poses a constant struggle. In Pennsylvania, the average monthly SSI payment of about $943 falls far short of covering the cost of living when the average rent for a modest one-bedroom apartment exceeds $1,000 per month in most counties.
More Than Just Cost
Affordability is only part of the problem. Accessibility barriers—such as narrow doorways, steep entrances, or bathrooms without grab bars—can make even affordable units unlivable for some. Older housing units across Pennsylvania, especially in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scranton, often predate modern accessibility standards, making retrofits costly and complex.
Additionally, many accessible units are located far from essential services like healthcare, grocery stores, and public transit. This isolation can undermine independence and limit opportunities for employment and community engagement.
State and Local Solutions
Fortunately, public agencies, nonprofits, and housing developers across Pennsylvania are working to bridge the gap through innovative programs and partnerships:
- Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA): Administered by PHFA, this program provides rental subsidies linked to affordable, accessible housing units for extremely low-income individuals with disabilities.
- Home Modification Program: Offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), this initiative helps homeowners and renters with permanent disabilities make necessary modifications—such as ramps, stair glides, or accessible bathrooms—to remain safely in their homes.
- Supportive Housing Models: Organizations like the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania and Petra Community Housing are expanding “supportive housing,” which combines affordable rent with on-site services like case management, job coaching, and transportation assistance, helping residents maintain independence while accessing the support they need.
Building a More Inclusive Future
To truly meet the need, Pennsylvania must invest in new construction that prioritizes accessibility and expand funding for rental assistance programs. Policymakers and developers can also integrate universal design principles—homes that are usable by people of all ages and abilities—into housing projects statewide.
Addressing the housing needs of people with disabilities isn’t just a matter of social equity; it’s an investment in the state’s future. When every Pennsylvanian has access to safe, affordable, and accessible housing, communities thrive. And Petra’s mission statement aligns closely with this—that all people in our region with limited income have a safe, affordable, and supportive place to live.