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Bureau of Housing Services

Mission Statement

The City of York Bureau of Housing Services (BHS) is one of five bureaus within the Department of Economic and Community Development DECD). BHS works toward the vision that all city residents can find affordable homes and have equitable access to quality housing. To this end, BHS is tasked with developing citywide housing policy, increasing affordable housing, promoting stable homeownership, managing resources, and promoting and ensuring enhanced quality of life for individuals who live and work in the City of York.

BHS is responsible for managing various programs, projects, services, and grants, to include HUD Entitlement funds such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) programs.

The Bureau of Housing Services is instrumental in helping the Administration reach its goal of attaining a homeownership rate of fifty percent in five years…York’s rate of 41% lags behind the national average of 64% and Pennsylvania’s rate that currently stands at 72%.

About the Bureau of Housing Services

In addition to the goal of increasing homeownership in the City, our mission is to create more desirable, affordable housing, which will lead to a greater positive impact on our city neighborhoods in terms of stabilizing and enhancing properties.

The Bureau of Housing Services is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development with Community Development Block Grant Funds…commonly known as CDBG…and HOME Investment Program Funds…simply known as HOME.

Regulations outline each eligible activity which must also conform to one of the three national objectives required by HUD…activities must benefit low to moderate income persons…aid in the prevention or elimination of slum and blight and meet a need of particular urgency.

All CDBG recipients must comply with strict HUD regulations and are subject to monitoring by the City, as prescribed by HUD.

The City of York fund the York County Literacy Council, Crispus Attucks,

Recommendations for funding allocations require the Mayor’s approval and City Council’s endorsement prior to submission to HUD. These recommendations include allocations to several community-based organizations and city departments.

The intent of the HOME Program is to provide decent affordable housing to our residents. It also must benefit low to moderate income residents whose median income is at 80% of York’s average, a figure determined by HUD at the beginning of each calendar year. HOME funds are used to provide for the 3/2 Program that helps prospective first-time homebuyers with closing costs and downpayment funds.

There are very valuable tools and programs in place that benefit city residents through HUD funding. With increased marketing efforts, use of the local media, outreach to neighborhood groups and forums, as well as the city’s faith-based communities, more people are taking advantage of these opportunities.

York City First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program 

The Bureau of Housing Services provides assistance with downpayment and upfront closing cost assistance to income eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing a home in York City through the Homebuyer Assistance Program.  The program is currently administered by Tenfold, who provides eligibility screening, counseling, and other requirements on behalf of the City of York.

York City Homebuyer Assistance Program Eligibility- Eligibility is first determined by income, with other restrictions also applying which include home buyer education workshops and counseling.

Please view the York Homebuyer Assistance Brochure in English (PDF) or view in Spanish (PDF).  For more information or to set up an appointment please contact Tenfold at 717/827-4334 or visit the office at 116 North George Street York PA 17401.

York City Inspection Guidelines (PDF) are available to give you an idea of the type of home inspection required by the program.

York City Homebuyer Assistance Program Eligibility Requirements (PDF) or the Homebuyer assistance eligibility requirements in Spanish (PDF).  For more details on the funding source for this program as well as the minimum and maximum loan amounts and other information, please contact Tenfold directly.  Tenfold will also provide you with the dates and times of all homebuyer workshops.

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