HERMITAGE, Pa. - PA State Rep. Mark Longietti announced on Thursday Mercer County organizations are receiving $133,000 from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund to support a housing and budget counseling program and help continue the successful "Lots to Love" program.

Longietti says the funding includes $40,000 to the Community Action Partnership of Mercer County to support programs that help lower-income residents acquire the money management and budgeting skills needed for home ownership.

"Community Action Partnership has played a key role in helping low and middle income families in our community navigate the path to home ownership through housing, counseling and an incentive-based budget counseling program that matches participants' investments," Longietti said.

Longietti added that this funding will ensure the partnership can keep that program and those incentives for those who need them.

In addition, $93,000 will allow the organization to continue its successful "Lots to Love" program. Longietti says the program has been incredibly successful at helping Sharon repurpose vacant lots to invite investment and development.

"Securing this additional funding will bolster the program to continue stabilizing neighborhoods and also help Community Action Partnership create a comprehensive reference guide to share its lot-repurposing strategies with other needy communities," Longietti said.