Matzie: $1.3 million awarded to boost affordable housing, fight homelessness, empower vulnerable residents

Southwest Delegation    June 10, 2021 | 4:58 PM

AMBRIDGE, June 10 – New grant funding of $1.3 million will create affordable housing and other opportunities for Beaver and Allegheny county residents struggling with homelessness, substance use and other issues, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today.

Matzie said the funding – administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund – will go to area organizations serving the area’s most vulnerable residents.

“Having a place to call home can provide new hope and a fresh start for those in our community who are struggling because of addiction, domestic violence and other hardships,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help them get back on their feet, and it comes at an important time, when the pandemic has made life more difficult for many of our most vulnerable residents.”   

Matzie said the projects funded include:

  • Cornerstone of Beaver County – Emergency Shelter Renovation Project -- $200,000.
  • Beaver County Commissioners – Home Modification Program -- $100,000.
  • Beaver County – Rental and Utility Assistance -- $50,000.
  • Willissae’s Agency for Vision and Empowerment for WAVE Housing Services -- $50,000.
  • Allegheny County Department of Human Services – Mobility Counseling Program -- $350,000.
  • Allegheny County Save Your Home Program Housing Counseling -- $150,000.
  • North Hills Affordable Housing – HEARTH 25 years of changing loves-- $200,000.
  • Catapult Greater Pittsburgh Inc. – Decreasing Racial and Economic Disparity Through Homeownership and Asset Building -- $200,000.

Funding for the grants came from Marcellus Shale Impact Fees and Realty Transfer Taxes.