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DECENT SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Contact Details:
Frank Demes at ACTION-Housing, Inc.
412.281.2102 ext. 2027
fdemes@actionhousing.org
Purpose:
Serving people of all ages with permanent disabilities requiring accessibility modifications to their home or apartment.
Allegheny County Residents can apply for FREE accessibility modifications.
Eligible adaptive modifications include:
- Exterior ramps
- Lifts for interior and exterior
- Doorway widening
- Visual doorbells and audio phone signaling devices
- Automatic door openers
- Kitchen and bathroom modifications
- Interior stair glides
- Other adaptive modifications that will enable a person with disabilities to engage in daily living requirements
- Other adaptive modifications identified by the applicant, a trained professional in design, or a program staff person that clearly contributes to independent living.
Income Eligibility Guidelines:
| Household Size |
Income Guidelines |
| 1 |
$32,150 |
| 2 |
$36,700 |
| 3 |
$41,300 |
| 4 |
$45,900 |
| 5 |
$49,550 |
| 6 |
$53,250 |
| 7 |
$56,900 |
| 8 |
$60,600 |
Total Income is all income received by all members in the household, adults as well as children under 18 years of age.
Note: Out of pocket medical expenses, medical expenses that are not paid by medical insurance or medical assistance payments, may be used to adjust your household Yearly Gross Income.
Other Eligibility Guidelines:
- You must be a full time resident of Allegheny County, homeowner or renter.
- The program beneficiary must have a permanent disability that limits access to or limits use of the dwelling unit.
- The property to be modified must be habitable and in structurally sound condition and is in compliance with all local and state building codes and all property taxes must be paid up-to-date.
Intake Procedures:
Contact the Allegheny County Accessibility Program (ACAP) and request an application be mailed to you.
Funded By:
The Pennsylvania Access Grant Program and the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development
Contact Details:
First Available Mortgage Counselor
412-281-2102 or Toll Free 1-800-792-2801
Program Purpose:
To cease foreclosure actions by assisting clients in applying to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) for emergency financial assistance.
How does the program generally work:
The mortgage company sends a homeowner an Act 91 Notice, which allows the homeowner to apply for HEMAP assistance through a credit counseling agency (ACTION-Housing, Inc.). The homeowner contacts an agency as soon as possible to set up an appointment to make the application. The application is then forwarded to the PHFA for review.
Eligibility Criteria/Clientele:
Any homeowner who receives the Act 91 notice is eligible to apply for assistance. Applying for assistance within 33 days of the date on the front of the Act 91 puts a hold on any foreclosure proceedings (and the legal fees associated with such action) for approximately 90 days from the date of the appointment. The Act 91 Notices are sent out when the homeowner is at least 60 days delinquent on a mortgage that is not FHA insured. Homeowners can apply for assistance after the 33 days but they will not benefit from the stoppage of foreclosure action.
Approval for assistance from the PHFA is based on the reasons for default and the future ability to resume and maintain the regular payments. The default must be through no fault of one’s own (i.e.; job layoff, relocation, illness, etc.). The circumstances should be such that the homeowner can resume regular payments at time of application or within 24 months from the original date of delinquency.
Specific Benefits/ Services Provided:
Assistance from the PHFA is in the form of a loan that is secured as a mortgage on the property for the amount needed to bring the account current. Maximum amount of assistance is equal to 24 months of mortgage payments or $60,000, whichever is less. Repayment is determined by PHFA and varies dependent upon the client’s ability to pay but not to be less than $25 per month.
During the application process the counselor will make referrals as appropriate to the situation for other social service programs that may help the homeowner.
Program Year/Funding Cycle:
Funded by the PHFA with a fiscal year of July 1 – June 30.
Application/Filing Procedures:
Once an Act 91 is received, the homeowner should call as soon as possible to make an appointment within the required timeframe. ACTION-Housing will then send a letter to the homeowner listing items the homeowner should gather for the application. Once the client has completed the application with the counselor, the application will be sent to PHFA for review. The PHFA may take up to 60 days to determine approval.
Funded by:
PHFA
| Supportive Housing Management Services, Inc. |
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Contact Details: 1.800.238.7555 or 412.829.3910
Program Purpose:
Supportive Housing Management Services (SHMS) was established by ACTION-Housing, Inc. in 1990 to respond to the housing and supportive service needs of certain highly vulnerable population groups including frail elderly with limited income, persons with physical and mental disabilities, and other low and moderate income families. The establishment of SHMS coincided with a period of extensive housing development activity by ACTION-Housing and other nonprofit and neighborhood-based organizations.
SHMS has a two fold mission:
- To ensure the long-term viability of low-income and special needs housing facilities through effective property management and maintenance services, and;
- To assist high-risk families and individuals who are residents of these developments to achieve higher levels of independence and self-sufficiency.These goals are pursued through the provision of a unique blend of comprehensive management and supportive service programs.
Eligibility Criteria/Clientele:
The properties have different eligibility criteria depending upon the funding source for the property.
To qualify for subsidized housing where the tenant pays 30% of his/her actual income for rent and utilities, the current income limits are as follows:
Pittsburgh Area Median Incomes for Year 2006
| Program |
1 Person |
2 Persons |
3 Persons |
4 Persons |
| 30% |
$12,050 |
$13,750 |
$15,500 |
$17,200 |
| 50% |
$20,100 |
$22,950 |
$25,850 |
$28,700 |
| 60% |
$24,120 |
$27,540 |
$31,020 |
$34,440 |
| 80% |
$32,150 |
$36,700 |
$41,300 |
$45,900 |
Click here to download Properties Listing
Specific Benefits/Services Provided:
Besides managing and maintaining housing, SHMS has effectively developed support services for these groups by developing resident associations, assisting with program (social or other) planning, operating food banks, computer centers, libraries, and activity centers.
Application/Filing Procedures:
Applications are available by calling the SHMS office at 412.829.3910 or toll free 1-800-238-7555. Upon receipt of application, prospective applicants names are entered on the waiting list of each property they have checked on the application. The waiting lists for subsidized properties currently range from several months to two years. Units are filled strictly according to the date application is received; there are currently no preferences given. The market rent properties are filled on a first-come, first-served basis as well.
Click here to download Cover Letter and Application
Partner Agencies:
- Center for Independent Living
- Mon Yough MH/MR
- United Cerebal Palsy
- Allegheny East
- Mon Valley Initiative
- McKeesport Housing Corporation
- Sisters Place
- Turtle Creek Development Corp.
- The Greenfield Organization
Contact Details:
Ron Ciotti
412.281.2102 ext. 2021
rciotti@actionhousing.org
Jennifer DiNardo
412.281.2102 ext. 2014
jdinardo@actionhousing.org
Section 202 Program Purpose:
The purpose for the Section 202 Program is to provide a Capital Advance (Grant) to assist private non-profit corporations in providing housing and supportive services to elderly persons. The Capital Advance will be treated as a grant to the Owner Corporation with no repayment required provided the housing for the elderly persons is maintained for forty (40) years and other management requirements are met.
Section 811 Program Purpose:
The purpose for the Section 811 Program is to provide a Capital Advance (Grant) to assist private non-profit corporations in providing housing and supportive services to persons with disabilities. The disabilities are categorized as persons with physical disabilities; developmental disabilities; or chronic mental illness. The Capital Advance will be treated as a grant to the Owner Corporation with no repayment required provided the housing for persons with disabilities is maintained for forty (40) years and other management requirements are met.
How Does the Program Generally Work:
The initial applicant (Sponsor) is any private; non-profit that has an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax exempt 501(c)(3) status. The applicant must have experience with developing or operating housing, medical, or other facilities and/or providing services for the elderly, disabled, (families and individuals), or minority groups and pledge financial support to the housing development as defined by Program regulations.
HUD expects the Owner (through the assistance of the Sponsor) will have the capability to finance certain preliminary expenses such as environmental site assessments, independent cost estimating initial organizational fees and preliminary site survey fees, however, these costs will be recovered at the HUD Initial Closing should the housing development be approved by HUD.
Sponsors are required to fund a minimum capital investment, which amounts to one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the capital advance amount, not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) at the time of the HUD Initial Closing.
The minimum capital investment funds will be placed in an escrow account with HUD at the Initial Closing and may be used for possible operating deficits. The escrow account may remain for a three (3) year period from the final completion date of the housing development. Any balance remaining in the account at the end of the escrow period can be, upon HUD's determination, deposited in the development's Replacement Reserve Account.
Section 202 Program: Sponsor Eligibility:
Any 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Section 202 Program: Tenant Eligibility:
Section 202 housing is open to individuals 62 years of age or older. The household must be within the 50% of Median Income limits set by HUD, for the applicable County where the project will be located.
A housing resident would pay, as rent for their unit, thirty percent (30%) of their monthly-adjusted income and pay individually for electric (and possibly gas) utility services to their unit.
Specific Benefits of Section 202 and 811 Programs:
The Owner (Grantee) and/or Sponsor may provide and/or assist the residents in obtaining those necessary services needed to permit the resident to live independently within the unit. These services would be based upon the levels of ability of the residents and the assessed needs of the resident. Such services could be housekeeping assistance, assistance in personal grooming, structured recreational/educational activities, transportation, shopping services, case management, etc. Necessary supportive services should be provided off-site to the greatest extent possible to ensure a non-institutional home environment for the housing residents.
The housing provided through this program should be designed to maximize the ability of residents to live independently as long as possible and the design should address the special needs of persons with disabilities and/or mobility concerns for the elderly.
A typical unit consists of a living-dining room area, kitchen, bath, and bedroom and storage area.
Program Year/Funding Cycle:
Proposals normally due in July of each year, and awarded early in the subsequent HUD Fiscal Year (October 1-September 30).
Application/Filing Procedures for Section 202 and 811 Programs: SPONSOR
Non-profits submit detailed project proposals in response to HUD Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). Proposals are competitively evaluated and ranked. A limited number of proposals are awarded and proceed to HUD Firm Commitment and closing.
Application/Filing Procedures for Section 202 and 811 Programs: RESIDENT
Applications for residential occupancy are made available to the general public several months in advance of anticipated project completion and evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis for eligibility requirements.
Partner Agencies:
Varies depending upon intended clientele.
Contact Details:
Tom Wiater - Allegheny County
412 227-3700 ext. 2105
twiater@wea.actionhousing.org
Tim Novak - City of Pittsburgh
412 227-5700 ext. 2104
tnovak@wea.actionhousing.org
Ken Provlic - Washington/Greene Counties
800 841-6899
kprovlic@wea.actionhousing.org
Program Purpose:
This is a Free Weatherization Program funded through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). This program is geared primarily to provide the necessary repairs to an eligible unit to reduce the amount of air infiltration "out of" and "into" the home. Our service area includes North, East, West and some parts of Southern Allegheny County, the city of Pittsburgh and Washington and Greene Counties.
www.affordablecomfort.org - Check out this site for upcoming conferences, news and events.
How Does the Program Generally Work: Approved Contractors do the necessary weatherization repairs that make the unit energy efficient:
- Replace cracked or broken glass in windows
- Caulk/Weather-strip around windows
- Weather-strip around outside doors
- Reglaze windows
- Replace or install threshold and door sweeps
- Insulation blanket around hot water tank
- Insulation wrap around exposed pipes
- Insulation/attic area (where applicable)
- Safety Check on Heating Plant and Hot Water Tank
Income Eligibility Guidelines:
The weatherization program is opened to homeowners as well as renters. The eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Signed and completed application.
- Proof of ownership of the property, and owner’s willingness to make repairs when not owner-occupied.
- Application must meet the income guidelines according family size, as designated by (DCED) as of March 1998.
| Family Size |
75% |
%100 |
115% |
125% |
135% |
150% |
200% |
| 1 |
$7,800 |
$10,400 |
$11,960 |
$13,000 |
$14,040 |
$15,600 |
$20,800 |
| 2 |
$10,500 |
$14,000 |
$16,100 |
$17,500 |
$18,900 |
$21,000 |
$28,000 |
| 3 |
$13,200 |
$17,600 |
$20,240 |
$22,000 |
$23,760 |
$26,400 |
$35,200 |
| 4 |
$15,900 |
$21,200 |
$24,380 |
$26,500 |
$28,620 |
$31,800 |
$42,400 |
| 5 |
$18,600 |
$24,800 |
$28,520 |
$31,000 |
$33,480 |
$37,200 |
$49,600 |
| 6 |
$21,300 |
$28,400 |
$32,660 |
$35,500 |
$38,340 |
$42,600 |
$56,800 |
| 7 |
$24,000 |
$32,000 |
$36,800 |
$40,000 |
$43,200 |
$48,000 |
$64,000 |
| 8 |
$26,700 |
$35,600 |
$40,940 |
$44,500 |
$48,060 |
$53,400 |
$71,200 |
| Each additional member, add |
$2,700 |
$3,600 |
$4,140 |
$4,500 |
$4,860 |
$5,400 |
$7,200 |
Specific Benefits/Services Provided:
Clients receive tremendous benefits through the Free Weatherization Program by the reduction of their fuel consumption and the lowering of their heating bills. This in turn creates a warmer and more comfortable draft-free environment for clients in their homes through the winter months.
Application/Filing Procedures:
Applications are either mailed in or brought in by applicants. Processing of the applications is on a first-come, first-served basis of completed applications received into our agency. All necessary income verification, (such as pay stubs, letter from employer, DPA Print Out, LIHEAP Eligibility Certificate, Social Security Print Out, etc.) and proof of ownership (complete copy of recorded deed, Copy of Title for Trailer Home) must accompany the application to insure completion of application.
Funded By:
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development U.S. Department of Energy
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