The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has awarded Lawrence County over $1 million through its HOME Investment Partnership Program.

The City of New Castle received $750,000 to rehabilitate 15 existing owner-occupied homes in the city. 

Additionally, Ellwood City Borough and Union Township both received $500,000 each to rehabilitate 12 existing owner-occupied homes in the respective municipalities.

This funding is part of $5.3 million invested into the HOME program to help municipalities across eight counties expand access to affordable housing.

This comes after Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed an executive order mandating a comprehensive Housing Action Plan to address a housing shortage in the commonwealth.

The DCED was tasked with leading that plan's development and working with stakeholders to identify housing needs and craft a strategic response.

"Every Pennsylvania should have safe, well-maintained places to live. The kind of homes that strengthen our communities and our economy," said DCED Secretary Rick Siger.

21 News has reached out to DCED to see where exactly in these communities these homes are and we're waiting to hear back.