Two projects that will benefit Warren County have been funded in a nearly $36 million allocation of state Neighborhood Assistant Program tax credits.

“NAP encourages private sector investment into projects that will help improve distressed communities by providing tax credits to businesses that donate capital to support projects that address neighborhood and community problems,” according to a release from the state.

“NAP can be used for projects in categories including affordable housing, community services, crime prevention, education, job training, charitable food, blight, special population issues, veteran’s initiatives, and long-term community revitalization.”

The two allocations to benefit the county fall under the housing and charitable food umbrellas.

The $75,000 was allocated to the Warren-Forest Counties Economic Opportunities Council.

“The lack of affordable housing options continues to be a major issue plaguing the community,” a project description explained. “This issue is the culmination of a lack of subsidized and supportive options that meet the demand, growing poverty, population decline, low wage jobs, and lack of economic growth.”

Larger families and individuals with substance abuse, mental health or physical disabilities issues face exacerbated challenges.

“Further,” the description states, “many low-income households lack reliable transportation and need housing in downtown Warren or more populated areas for employment. Providing permanent, safe, and affordable housing options for larger households is essential.”

The EOC intends to use the funding “to complete the needed repairs, updates and renovations to two properties ideally located in downtown Warren – one that it purchased in 2020 from an owner who relocated and the other – a duplex with two, three bedroom units.

“Once complete the units will be rented to eligible, low-income family households with a mental health diagnosis who have established services and can live independently,” the description states.

The second award to benefit the county is a multi-county award of $534,001 to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pa.

“Communities from every corner of Pennsylvania will benefit from this funding — the result of public-private partnerships and cooperation,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “We are pleased to continue supporting NAP applicants who are committed to advancing and improving communities by making thoughtful plans to address the issues impacting their neighborhoods. These projects make the state stronger as a whole and keep it the best place to live, work, and play.”