URA Announces a New Round of the Homeowner Assistance Program; Application Process Opens Tomorrow
PITTSBURGH, PA (February 13, 2025) One of the city’s most in-demand housing programs is reopening tomorrow, February 14, 2025 at 8:00 a.m., with a focus on Pittsburgh homeowners most in need of assistance.
The Homeowner Assistance Program, made possible through the City of Pittsburgh’s Housing Opportunity Fund, provides up to $35,000 in financial assistance to eligible homeowners for rehabilitating and improving their homes.
“Addressing the affordable housing crisis in Pittsburgh requires a multifaceted approach that includes ensuring that homes are maintained as habitable, safe and affordable,” said Quianna Wasler, URA Chief Housing Officer. “The Homeowner Assistance Program plays a vital role in supporting the city’s most vulnerable residents, including seniors and low-income families, and enables them to remain comfortably in their homes.”
For this application round, ACTION-Housing, a local nonprofit, is joining the URA's efforts to administer the program on the URA's behalf.
“Through this collaboration with the URA, we are dedicated to helping Pittsburgh homeowners in need of assistance access critical repairs to ensure their homes are safe and stable," said Lena Andrews, CEO of ACTION-Housing. “These grants offer a valuable opportunity for homeowners to maintain their housing and make essential improvements to enhance energy efficiency, creating safer and more sustainable homes.”
Financing will be awarded as a grant with a 10-year deed restriction covenant, which means that if the home is sold during that period, it must be sold at an affordable level. The grants can be used to address city code violations, make energy efficiency improvements and complete eligible general property improvements and repairs to roofs, electrical systems, hot water heaters and more.
A limited number of grants will be awarded during this pilot round. Applications will not be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, applications that meet the following criteria will be prioritized to be considered for an award:
- Households with major City code violations
- Households with children ages 5 and under
- Households with seniors (66 years and older)
- Households with individuals or veterans with disabilities
- Households with income at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (Example: For a household of four, 30% of the AMI is an annual income of $30,360.)
Before applying, homeowners are strongly encouraged to review the priority criteria as well as the program eligibility requirements, which can be found on ACTION-Housing's website.
"While my administration is working to increase and diversify the supply of housing in Pittsburgh to lower housing costs, I am grateful for resources like the Homeowner Assistance Program that ensures our residents can maintain the quality of their homes," said Mayor Ed Gainey. "Many of our neighbors face extraordinary barriers to maintaining their homes at an affordable rate and are doing their best to survive. Programs like this strengthen our neighborhoods and provide options for families and seniors alike. This represents a critical investment in our communities, and moves us closer to making sure that the residents who love Pittsburgh, can keep Pittsburgh home.”
Starting tomorrow at 8:00 a.m., homeowners residing within City of Pittsburgh boundaries can apply for the program through the HOME Allegheny online portal on ACTION-Housing's website. The application period will close on March 14, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
Application assistance will be available by calling 412-248-0021 or emailing homeallegheny@actionhousing.org. Additional support is available in person at the Housing Stabilization Center, located at 415 Seventh Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The center operates Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and it is closed on Fridays.
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Language translation is available free of charge. Please email translation@ura.org.
About the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA)
The URA is the City of Pittsburgh's economic development enterprise. We are committed to building a prosperous and equitable economy for all of Pittsburgh. We help bridge public and private interests to invest in meaningful equitable developments that promote housing affordability, economic mobility, entrepreneurship and neighborhood revitalization. Our work creates and sustains quality jobs, thriving neighborhoods, healthy communities and sustainable businesses for the benefit of all Pittsburghers.
About ACTION-Housing
ACTION-Housing is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating affordable housing solutions and enhancing community development in the Pittsburgh region. Its mission is to empower people to build more secure and self-sufficient lives through the provision of decent, affordable housing and essential supportive services. ACTION-Housing provides a range of services, including real estate development, weatherization, housing stabilization, programs for foster youth at-risk of homelessness, and supportive services that promote stability and self-sufficiency. By collaborating with local governments, community leaders, and stakeholders, ACTION-Housing aims to ensure that all individuals and families have access to safe, affordable, and sustainable housing options. For more information, visit www.actionhousing.org.
