Pashinski, Flynn help celebrate state grant for low-income housing project in Wilkes-Barre
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski October 27, 2023 | 10:13 AM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 26 – State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and state Sen. Marty Flynn joined a celebration today for a state grant awarded to support the Brian’s Place housing project in Wilkes-Barre.
“It is always a pleasure working with my colleagues and this time is no different,” said Pashinski. “I was glad to work with Senator Flynn to continue to help members and organizations alike in our community. This occasion is the same, especially with a cause as important as finding and offering support to individuals in the community experiencing street homelessness. When this project is completed, Brian’s Place will be able to offer five new units of affordable housing and a community respite space for unsheltered people experiencing homelessness who are medically fragile. This is a project worth supporting, and I am proud that we were able to secure this funding.”
“This project addresses critical issues in our community, providing affordable housing and support for those experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges,” said Flynn. “With financial support and enduring partnerships, this initiative demonstrates our community's commitment to a brighter future for all. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact "Brian's Place" will have.”
Jodina Hicks, president of Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania also attended.
“VOAPA could not be more grateful for the support afforded by the state, our elected officials, and private philanthropy to renovate and build affordable housing for households in Wilkes-Barre,” said Hicks. “As we work tirelessly for our community during this housing crisis, our public and private partners are providing much-needed financial resources that will make a significant impact on the future residents of Brian’s Place. It is especially meaningful that the spirit of Brian Johns’ outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness will carry on in the naming of this soon-to-be-built, 5-unit, beautiful building.”
Wilkes Barre George Brown and Clifton Hall, Give Hope outreach case manager for Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania, were also joined the event.
The Brian’s Place project will use $250,000 in state funding to renovate its property, accommodating six one-bedroom and efficiency-style apartments to be reserved for low-income households that include individuals with mental health diagnoses.
The Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania chose the name Brian’s Place to honor the late Brian Johns, the first homeless street outreach case manager for VOAPA who inspired their current outreach model “Give Hope,” which aims to find and offer support to individuals experiencing street homelessness.