The HOME Investment Partnerships Program

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program offered through Bucks County aims to expand the availability and quality of affordable housing for low-income residents. Administered by the Bucks County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The County uses this funding to promote comprehensive housing strategies as outlined in its five-year Consolidated Plan, which guides funding decisions from 2025 to 2029. Program Year 2026 represents the second year of this plan’s implementation, focusing on increasing housing access, improving the existing housing stock, and supporting vulnerable populations across the County. The HOME Program supports a variety of eligible activities including the acquisition, demolition, rehabilitation, or new construction of affordable housing units, as well as tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA). Projects may serve renters, homeowners, and special needs populations. For TBRA applications specifically, applicants must contact HCD staff via email to initiate the process. A portion of funding is also set aside for Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), which may apply for construction, pre-development, or operating assistance, provided they are certified and meet all criteria. Applicants may include public agencies, nonprofits, and for-profit housing developers. Application requirements vary depending on project type. Rental housing projects require the submission of a completed Housing Application and a County Proforma, or PHFA budget worksheet for LIHTC projects. Homeownership efforts must include an Excel budget. Non-housing construction efforts must use a separate Affordable Housing Efforts Application. All submissions are due via email to hcdapplications@buckscounty.org by 4:00 PM ET on February 6, 2026. Confirmation of receipt will be issued within 48 hours; if not received, applicants should follow up with Sean Krumpe at 215-345-3965 or smkrumpe@buckscounty.org. Submitted proposals will be evaluated against several criteria including completeness, project readiness, evidence of community need, alignment with HUD and County priorities, demonstrated agency capacity, and leverage of external resources. Further considerations include location near transportation or employment hubs, efforts to further fair housing, and prior funding performance. Projects must also demonstrate site control, zoning approvals, and an achievable timeline. All awarded recipients are required to sign a commitment letter or loan agreement within six months of the program year’s start (July 1), with funding disbursed only after environmental review clearance. HOME-assisted projects must adhere to affordability requirements ranging from 5 to 20 years, depending on investment type and amount. Rental units must comply with published HOME rent limits, with current limits effective as of June 1, 2025, varying by unit size and income thresholds. These rules ensure the ongoing affordability of units and prevent displacement. Projects funded through this program must also affirmatively further fair housing and demonstrate inclusive community development principles. This grant opportunity aligns with HUD's broader goals to reduce rent burden, address homelessness, and support stable housing solutions for low-income individuals and families.

Review application completeness; ensure site control and zoning approval; prioritize fair housing planning.