ACTION-Housing

We are excited to announce two recent generous contributions from Opportunity Fund that will help improve and expand programming and services to some of our area's most vulnerable residents.

$10,000 was given to ACTION-Housing who is acting as fiscal sponsor to support the Strength in Numbers' (SIN) arts programming within the McKeesport Downtown Housing Low Barrier Shelter. These funds will help establish a dedicated arts space, an arts curriculum, arts instructors, and supplies.

SIN strengthens the ability of individuals experiencing displacement and hardship to access services such that individuals they serve can get a “hand-up” toward greater stability, and move toward thriving rather than just surviving.

The second contribution of $15,000 was awarded to Community Human Services Corporation (CHS) to support the renovation of a new Community & Social Center located at Wood Street Commons and operated by CHS.

Wood Street Commons is a 259-room, single room occupancy facility spanning 10 floors of supportive housing. Safe, affordable housing and nutritious food are fundamental human rights, and CHS strives to make them accessible to all in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.

We look forward to sharing updates on the positive impact this funding will have and possibly some works of art created by McKeesport Downtown Housing residents!

We are humbled and honored to be recognized by the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania for our work in keeping residents in their homes.

This is one example of many involving our dedicated and empathetic staff who go the extra mile to ensure residents in need receive the necessary supports to succeed.

We strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others every day and thank the United Way for recognizing our efforts in this month's success story!

This month’s success story is brought to you through United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s partnership with ACTION-Housing’s Sustainable Home Improvement Program.

Improving access:

“Mr. and Mrs. H. have resided in their family home since 1963. Over the years, the couple has benefited from various ACTION-Housing programs, such as enhancing their home's energy efficiency. Recently, the pair faced a situation where a new boiler was needed. ACTION-Housing promptly provided assistance through its crisis furnace program.

During the workers' visit, Mrs. H mentioned that her husband’s stairlift, crucial for his mobility between floors, was no longer functioning after a decade of use. Despite multiple repairs, it was evident that a replacement was necessary. Thanks to funding from the United Way's Sustainable Home Improvement Program, ACTION-Housing was able to install a new lift, restoring Mr. H’s ease of movement within his home.”

Keep an eye out for our next success story!

This past Wednesday, ACTION celebrated our annual Day at the Ballpark. For the first time, a company-sponsored tailgate was held prior to the game and was a great success! There was plenty of good food/drinks, great conversations, and just a little sunburn in Gold Lot 1!

After the tailgate, more employees joined the fun in the left field seats at PNC Park for an early afternoon game against the Angels. Although the tickets were for a game on May 8th, it felt more like end of July! We lucked out with the weather, but the Pirates weren't so lucky...

After the game, some folks gathered across the street from PNC Park at SoHo to cool off from the sun. ACTION took over half of the place!

We'd like to thank everybody who attended this fun annual event and look forward to sharing more ACTION-packed updates throughout the summer!

Check out this interview with ACTION-Housing weatherization expert Patty DiGuilio!

An Interview with Action Housing’s Weatherization Expert - Energy Efficiency Stories Patty DiGuilio on weatherization, her career, and the future of the industry

Yesterday, ACTION's Executive Director, Larry Swanson, was honored at the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)'s Housing Forum in Harrisburg.

Larry was presented with PHFA's inaugural Housing Legacy Award, which recognizes people and organizations for housing efforts that have an ongoing powerful impact in their communities.

Larry's impact on affordable housing efforts has been felt for over 50 years (44 of those years have been with ACTION) and we are so grateful for his continued commitment to creating affordable housing opportunities for all.

Congratulations Larry!

Last Friday, a record-breaking crowd packed the ballroom of the Omni William Penn Hotel for the 67th ACTION-Housing Annual Meeting. You should have been there!

Over 400 folks enjoyed a morning of mingling and networking followed by an uplifting and moving presentation during lunch.

ACTION staff members, partnering organizations, and residents were presented with awards followed by a powerful speech about the importance of affordable housing from Allegheny Office of the Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato.

In case you missed it, here are some photos of the event.

We are proud to announce the reopening of 1410 Fifth Avenue!

This project involved a strong partnership with Bethlehem Haven to rehabilitate a 122-year-old building that houses their shelter in Uptown for women seeking refuge from homelessness. This effort is part of a larger initiative to improve the 1400 block of Fifth Avenue.

Phase II of this project (Uptown Flats) will entail the demolition of several dilapidated buildings that will be replaced by 34 units of affordable housing for women at risk of homelessness or who have disabilities. This new building will directly connect with 1410 Fifth Avenue to provide supportive services for its future residents.

An uplifting ribbon cutting ceremony was held this past Friday in the newly renovated space with speeches from project partners, funders, and a resident, "Dez", who appropriately summed up the conditions of the building prior to this renovation, "That basement was scary!"

We encourage you to read this great article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that explains the positive impact this building will have on its clients and a recap of Friday's ribbon cutting celebration.

Bethlehem Haven reopens therapeutic housing for women after $4.2 million renovation Desrene, better known by her nickname, “Dez,” has called Bethlehem Haven home for the past 13 years. She doesn’t see herself living anywhere...

Congratulations to Bethlehem Haven on the completion of the renovation of 1410 Fifth Avenue! We worked with team members LGA Partners, Mosites Construction and Development and Sigal Development Services put together gift baskets for the women to welcome them to their new home. We loved being a part of this impactful project.

We are proud to operate Allegheny County's Whole-Home Repairs Program. This program is critical in ensuring Allegheny County residents in need are able to remain in their homes. Although there currently is not enough funding to assist all eligible homeowners, we are committed to pushing for additional funding for future rounds of repairs.

Learn more about the Whole-Home Repairs Program and the positive impact it's already having in this article from The Energy Efficiency Alliance - EEA.

Action Housing: A Whole-Home Repairs Administrator Supporting Communities Since 1957 - Energy Efficiency Stories Pittsburgh-based Action Housing is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a long history in southwest Pennsylvania. Founded in 1957, they now use a $130 million operating

"If you are coming from living in support, if you are having issues with finding housing, if you are having issues with stability, this is the opportunity that can change your life."

The MyPlace program is "breaking cycles and preventing homelessness from taking over the next generation of society's leaders."

In case you missed it yesterday, KDKA-TV | CBS Pittsburgh presented a KD Sunday Stories segment on the MyPlace program. This program focuses on young adults aging out of the foster care system and provides support and life skills coaching to pave a path to independence.

Learn more about this positively impactful program and the clients it serves by watching this uplifting video from KDKA-TV:

KD Sunday Spotlight: Action Housing's My Place program In this week's KD Sunday Spotlight, Megan Shinn highlights Action Housing's "My Place" program which is working to break the cycle of homelessness and incarceration among those aging out of the foster care system.

Are you facing eviction in Allegheny County? There are local resources available that help avoid eviction, but they are not being utilized as much as they should.

ACTION is proud to be involved in the Housing Stabilization Center who's staff works every day to help tenants avoid eviction.

Learn more about these powerful resources and their untapped potential in this enlightening article by PublicSource.

Local housing authority regularly filed evictions, tenant programs go unused The McKeesport Housing Authority has filed more cases seeking eviction than the other housing authorities serving Allegheny County.

That's a wrap on Flats!

Flats on Forward is complete and residents will begin moving into this new 43-unit affordable housing development this week!

A celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this past Friday that featured a wonderful list of guest speakers and the biggest crowd we've ever had for an event like this. Old film canisters and free popcorn were plentiful as we paid homage to the former Squirrel Hill Theater that once stood on this site.

ACTION is proud to bring 43 units of affordable housing into one of Pittsburgh strongest residential markets, Squirrel Hill. Although there is already a waiting list for this property, you can learn more about how to live at Flats on Forward by following this link: https://actionhousing.org/real-estate-development/real-estate-development-listings/flats-on-forward/

This project wouldn't have been possible without the help from Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), BNY Mellon, National Equity Fund, Allegheny County Economic Development, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, PJ Dick, Trumbull and Lindy Group, Iams Consulting LLC, Morris Knowles & Associates, Regional Housing Legal Services, West Penn Energy Solutions, Brandywine Communities, and Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition. Thank you for making Flats on Forward become a reality!

We are thrilled to be working with Bethlehem Haven to renovate their existing affordable housing for women at 1410 Fifth Avenue. Learn more about the therapeutic and beautiful spaces we will be creating in this story from NEXTpittsburgh

Bethlehem Haven's $3.2 million renovation addresses Pittsburgh's homeless crisis The four-story, brick structure at 1410 Fifth Ave., is currently undergoing a $3.2 million rehab and is expected to reopen in the spring.

THANK YOU!

We want to thank everyone who donated to ACTION-Housing during yesterday's Give Big Pittsburgh annual giving event.

This generosity will help to expand the impact of our programs and continue to assist Pittsburgh's most vulnerable populations.

THANK YOU!

There is still time to give!

Today is Give Big Pittsburgh!

This annual 24-hour online fundraising effort raises money for local nonprofits through a single online donation platform, providing a simple way to connect donors to the charitable causes they care about most.

Please help ACTION-Housing by giving today by visiting our Give Big page here: https://www.givebigpittsburgh.com/organizations/action-housing-inc

This wonderful event, hosted by Pittsburgh Magazine and local sponsors, offers nonprofits the chance to raise funds to support their critical missions.

Find an Organization to Support | Give Big Pittsburgh Explore what Give Big Pittsburgh has to offer and support the organizations that mean the most to you.

Get ready to give!

Tomorrow is Give Big Pittsburgh!

This annual 24-hour online fundraising effort raises money for local nonprofits through a single online donation platform, providing a simple way to connect donors to the charitable causes they care about most.

Please help ACTION-Housing by giving tomorrow, November 28th by visiting our Give Big page here: https://www.givebigpittsburgh.com/organizations/action-housing-inc

This wonderful event, hosted by Pittsburgh Magazine and local sponsors, offers nonprofits the chance to raise funds to support their critical missions.

6 Days and counting!

We are just under a week away from Give Big Pittsburgh. This annual 24-hour online fundraising effort raises money for local nonprofits through a single online donation platform, providing a simple way to connect donors to the charitable causes they care about most.

Please help ACTION-Housing by giving on November 28th (next Tuesday!) by visiting our Give Big page here: https://www.givebigpittsburgh.com/organizations/action-housing-inc

This wonderful event, hosted by Pittsburgh Magazine and local sponsors, offers nonprofits the chance to raise funds to support their critical missions.

We are looking forward to attending Bike Pittsburgh's Business Member Awards tonight and are honored to be highlighted! We are excited to celebrate Bike Pittsburgh's mission of making Pittsburgh's streets safe and vibrant places where everyone is welcome.

Tomorrow is our annual Business Member Awards night! This week, we'll highlight a few standout business members and tell you how these bike-friendly businesses are helping to make PGH more livable and friendly for people who bike and walk.
🏆 ACTION-Housing
🏆 Millie's Homemade Ice Cream
🏆 Open Up
🏆 Velo.ai
🏆 Cannondale

Registration is now open for the December edition of the Urban Land Institute's "A Conversation With..."

This is a great opportunity to get to know some of Pittsburgh's most engaging leaders in an intimate setting. The event will take place on Wednesday December 13th at Threadbare Cider and Mead in Spring Garden.

The December edition will feature Meredith Meyer Grelli, a serial entrepreneur, innovator, author, real estate developer, and professor who is deeply interested in community and economic development.

ACTION's own Lena Andrews will be hosting the interview!

Learn more about this enlightening event and order tickets here:
https://pittsburgh.uli.org/events-2/detail/1FEDDCDD-49BE-457E-B831-6B9B824D5A7E/

We are proud to announce this year's winners of the Supportive Housing Management Services Halloween Cooking Contest!
👏👏👏🎃👻🎃👏👏👏

1st Place: RIP Grave Yard (Melissa)
2nd Place: Spooky Spider Spinach Dip (Latika)
3rd Place: Cemetery (Jill)
4th Place: Hallow Pumpkin Apples (Mishia)

Winners received $10 Giant Eagle gift cards.

We also want to shout out the other participants in this year's contest:

-Mean Beans (Tia)
-Breakfast Pumpkin (Kyle)
-Scary Band-Aids (Tiffany)
-Zombie Guts (Peggy)

This contest has become an annual tradition at the SHMS office and we can't wait to see what creepy concoctions will win next year!

Special thanks to Peggy for organizing this fun contest.

On October 26, the Pittsburgh Business Times will be hosting the second of its Bridge to Equity series of discussions, focusing on affordable housing.

We are proud to announce that our Executive Director, Larry Swanson, will be one of the featured panelists!

Larry recently did an interview with Jordyn Hronec of the Pittsburgh Business Times discussing the affordable housing landscape in Pittsburgh. You can read the interview here:
https://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2023/10/17/bridge-to-equity-affordable-housing-larry-swanson.html

If you are interested in attending the upcoming Bridge to Equity discussion, you can register for that here: https://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/event/169850/2023/bridge-to-equity-affordable-housing

The Allegheny County Whole-Home Repairs Program is now accepting applications for the Fall 2023 round!

Learn more about this positively impactful program by reading 90.5 WESA's article: https://www.wesa.fm/development-transportation/2023-10-17/pittsburgh-whole-home-repairs

More information on the Whole-Home Repairs Program can also be found by visiting the WHRP website at: https://actionhousing.org/our-services/allegheny-county-whole-home-repairs-program/

Pittsburgh-area residents can apply for new round of Whole-Home Repairs The program, which is funded by the state but administered by Action Housing in the county, funds up to $50,000 in major home repairs for households earning less than 80% of the area’s median income, which works out to less than $80,000 for a family of four and less than $56,000 for an individual.

ACTION-Housing is excited to announce the opening of the next phase of Whole Home Repairs applications. Applications will be accepted from Monday, October 16th, 2023 at 8:30am, through Friday, November 17th, 2023 at 4pm.

Applications can be found online at https://wholehomerepair.alleghenycounty.us/RESIDENT/Security/CitizenSignIn or contact ACTION-Housing at (412) 248-0021 to complete an application over the phone.

To qualify, an applicant must own and live in a house in Allegheny County, live in a home with significant habitability concerns, and have a household income that doesn’t exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Those who have applied to a previous phase of the Whole Home Repairs Program will have to recertify their application. If an applicant needs help resetting their password, they can call the Help Desk at (412) 350-3457 #2. Previous applicants will need to verify their income again if they didn't show yearly income by using documents like an IRS 10104 form or W2. To recertify, applicants can include two months of current pay stubs, an award letter from the Social Security Office, a welfare office, or a letter from their employer.

We’ll also be hosting a public town hall via Zoom. Anyone can attend to learn more.

Tuesday, October 17, at 6 p.m. (please click the Zoom link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87945643879?pwd=TWFsajVEMmRlaEVMWEFLR29icFAxUT09.

Have questions? Check our Frequently Asked Questions at https://actionhousing.org/our-services/allegheny-county-whole-home-repairs-program/whr-frequently-asked-questions/, and if you don’t find the information you need, contact ACTION-Housing at (412) 248-0021 or [email protected]