HACP, ARMDC Invest $3M in Gap-Financing to Downtown Development Centered Around Single Parents Pursuing Higher Education

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) and its development arm, Allies & Ross Management and Development Corp. (ARMDC), have invested $3,050,000 in Gap-Financing and 49 Project-Based Vouchers for a Downtown adaptive reuse development aimed at assisting single parents pursuing higher education.

Beacon Communitiesis converting an existing office building and decommissioned steam plant at 120 Cecil Place into 97 affordable housing units, owned by BC Cecil LLC.

The 49 Project-Based Vouchers provided by the HACP will be used by Pittsburgh Scholar House's Wayfinders programparticipants to provide single parents with housing while they pursue their 2-or 4-year degrees. Vouchers are reserved for single parents (with one child under age 18) who meet the Housing Choice Voucher income eligibilityand maintain at least a 2.0 grade-point average.

Pittsburgh Scholar House, an affiliate of Family Scholar Housebased out of Louisville, KY, is dedicated to helping families build a cycle of prosperity. The nonprofit supports single parents and their children by providing academic support, empowering single parents to improve their economic circumstances, and offering enrichment services to strengthen family relationships. This three-pronged approach helps participating families thrive as they work to achieve their goals.

Wayfinders participants who reside at 120 Cecil Place will also receive extensive wraparound services provided by Pittsburgh Scholar House, including childcare, counseling, career readiness, and transportation assistance, housed within the development.

"We are proud to partner with Pittsburgh Scholar House and Beacon Communities to help break the cycle of generational poverty by supporting single parents in higher education, as well as their children," said HACP Executive Director Caster D. Binion.

The Cecil Place development will include seven studio apartments, 12 one-bedroom apartments, 47 two-bedroom apartments, and 31 three-bedroom apartments.

On-site amenities include a property management suite, social services office, community spaces, fitness room, bike storage, outdoor areas, business/reading room, child's playroom, and in-unit laundry.

"We are excited that HACP's investment in Project-Based Vouchers will create stable homes for 49 of our Scholars and their families, helping them plant roots and flourish while contributing to Downtown's renewal," said Dr. Daren Ellerbee, CEO of Pittsburgh Scholar House. "At PSH, we believe housing is more than shelter; it is the launchpad for single-parent Scholars to pursue their education, nurture their children's growth, and strengthen our community."

Since its inception in December 2012, HACP and ARMDC have invested and committed more than $60 million in local affordable housing developments through the Project-Based Voucher/Gap-Financing Program, with nearly 1,000 PBV units either completed, under construction, or in pre-development. (This does not include all of HACP developments. The $60 million figure is solely for gap-financing loans).

For more information on our Gap-Financing Program, please visit: https://hacp.org/hacp-armdc-have-invested-more-than-60-million-in-gap-financing-loans-tohelp-increase-affordable-housing-footprint-across-the-city-of-pittsburgh/

For a list of current open waiting lists at HACP Project-Based Voucher sites, please visit: https://hacp.org/housing/apply-for-housing/

Media Contact: Michelle Sandidge, Chief Community Affairs Officer, 412-456-5058, [email protected]