Allegheny County has gone through significant changes over the last twenty years. After the tremendous decline of manufacturing from the closing of the steel mills, the economy has diversified to include health care, government, the service industry and high technology and higher education as its economic base. Allegheny County surrounds the City of Pittsburgh which has its own body of government. Over the years important links between the two governing bodies have been forged. They currently share certain revenues, coordinate services, and have a concern for the health of each jurisdiction as the economies are interdependent. The area has a predominantly small town and suburban character to it. The population of the County is 1,336,449 according to the 1990 Census. According to recent Census estimates the decline in population for the County slowed in the early 1990's. The Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission has projected that by the year 2000 the population will have increased by less than 50,000.
The area is rebuilding in numerous ways. The airport area has experienced sustained job growth over the last five years with the townships of Findlay, Moon, and Robinson ranking in the top six areas of job creation in the region. Major changes on the economic front include conversion of industrial sites to alternative uses. Conversions usually coordinate several businesses which are housed in these sites to utilize the massive space left by the steel mills. The new international airport opened in 1992 with the anchor airline US Air. Many service jobs were created by the opening of shops and restaurants in the air terminals. County-wide, service sector jobs have replaced industrial jobs just as the nation as a whole turns to a service economy. Additionally, Health care has seen growth in the area and high technology is being promoted in conjunction with the health care industry. Finally, Higher education and high technology have formed partnerships to help develop innovative technology as well as jobs for the future.
This plan includes a 1-year action plan that details how specific housing and community development priorities will be addressed in Fiscal Year 1995 using the CDBG, HOME, HOPWA, and ESG programs. These funds will promote expansion of the supply of affordable housing to low- and moderate-income persons; provide shelter and services to homeless persons; and increase the availability of community facilities, social services, and expand economic development opportunities for low income persons.
Citizen participation activities exceeded prior years efforts to obtain citizen participation. The Department of Development (DOD) has begun serious discussion about new methods of obtaining citizen participation, particularly among those groups targeted by HUD. A public meeting was held on Wednesday, November 2, 1994 at the Steel Valley Human Service Center in Homestead, PA. Two Task Force meetings were held in November, 1994 whichresulted in new information for the plan, a heightened awareness among the members and optimism for a continuing dialogue.
(See Map 1 for Allegheny County, its region, and selected points of interest).
The 1990 Census revealed some significant housing needs among very low-income, other low-income and moderate-income households. There were 356,829 households in the Entitlement Area. Twenty-two percent (22%) have significant housing problems. Although the area has an apparently sufficient number of housing units in general, the price of housing is not in line with what very low income people can afford. Additionally, much of this housing stock does not address the needs of most of the special needs populations.
The most significant findings from the CHAS tables reveal the following:
Extremely Low-Income Households pay a disproportionate amount of income on housing. The data shows that of those whose income is between 0 and 30% MFI, 82% have housing problems. In the Entitlement Area 56% of all extremely low income renters pay more than 50% of their income on housing. Within this category, the data shows that 63% of small family renters pay more than 50% of their income on housing. This is significant housing cost burden.
Very Low-Income elderly, small and large family renters: A significant portion of the population in the Entitlement Area is elderly. Living on a fixed income puts the elderly at significant risk of paying proportionally more income on housing as rents increase. In all the cost burden categories the elderly had a high percentage of households with at least 30% cost burden. Additionally, large and small families are living in difficult situations with 62% and 76% respectively paying more than 30% of their income for housing.
Owners versus renters: The statistics show that in a comparison of all categories, renters and owners have a similar percentage of housing cost burden, except in the renter extremely low-income elderly category. In this category renters fare significantly worse than owners with the highest percentage of housing cost burden in the extremely low-income category.
Moderate Income Households: Moderate income renters and owners fared significantly better than the other categories in terms of housing cost burden. With the exception of elderly, and especially small family renters the percentages are relatively low. The relatively low number of units available compared to the general populations indicates that moderate income affordable rental housing should be considered.
Sub-populations: Renters make up the majority of people considered part of the sub-populations (disabled, persons with AIDS, MH/MR and drug and alcohol addicted). Their housing needs may be more specialized and as a result may be more costly. Without affordable housing these populations have the greatest potential of becoming homeless.
(See maps 2 and 3 that depict the areas of low and moderate income concentration within Allegheny County).
Housing is considered affordable in Allegheny County in comparison to the State and the Nation. The median housing value in 1990 was $56,300 and the median rent was $389. There are 580,738 housing units in the County, 61.7% are owner occupied, 31.5% are renter occupied and 6.8% are vacant. Ninety two percent of the of the total units were built before 1980. Although these figures are encouraging, a comparison to the populations who have the lowest incomes in the Entitlement Area follows.
There are 356,829 households in the Entitlement Area. The Chart below serves as a sample of income in relation to family size according to the above household categories.
Income Categories 1-Person 2-Person 3-Person 4-Person Very Low (30% mfi) $7,707 $8,808 $10,719 $11,010 Low (50% mfi) $12,850 $14,700 $16,500 $18,350 Moderate (80%mfi) $20,550 $23,500 $26,400 $29,350 Median (100% mfi) $25,690 $29,360 $35,730 $36,700 mfi = Medial Family Income
The combined very low and low income household categories comprise 33% of all households in the Entitlement Area. There are 337,745 White households of which 17% are very low income while 15% are considered low income. 108,079 White households are low and very low income.
People in the low and very low income categories cannot afford most housing in the Entitlement Area. Fifty six percent of the rental housing in the Entitlement Area is priced between $250 and $499. However, 40,687 renters make no more than 50% of the County median income of $36,700. Clearly, the Entitlement Area is in need of affordable rental housing for all low and very low income households.
The Entitlement Area has a population of 889,075 which is a decrease of 5% from the previous census. The makeup of the population is predominantly White but minority populations make up approximately 12% of the population. As Table 1A shows the minority population increased while the majority population showed a small decrease.
The African American population is 41,760, an 11% increase over the last census period. A further breakdown 15,575 households of which 40% are in the very low income level and 16% at the low income level (between 50 -80% of median). By far, this group has the highest percentage of population in the very low income group. Eight thousand seven hundred twenty two African American households are below 80% median income.
The Asian & Pacific Islander population is the second fastest growing population with 7,289. The number of households is 1,904 of which 12% are considered very low income and 5% are low income. Three hundred twenty three Asian & Pacific Islander households are very low and low income households.
The number of Hispanic households was reported at 1,240 of which 22% were very low income and 16% were low income. 471 Hispanic households are below 80% of the median income. The chart below shows household incomes above and below 50% MFI by race.
These statistics show that the minority populations are increasing in numbers but more importantly they have a disproportionately high number of households in the very low and low income categories compared to the majority population.
The geographic location of the minority populations show high concentrations of some populations. The African American population has its highest concentration in the Mon Valley. This area is south of the City of Pittsburgh along the Monongahela River. Formerly this was heavily industrialized by the steel industry. Now it is a much lower income area with little job creation. Correspondingly the housing stock is older and the housing prices are lower in this area than the rest of the County. The Hispanic and Asian populations are more widely disbursed County-wide.
(see Maps 4 and 5 depicting racial distribution within Allegheny County).
Although homelessness is difficult to quantify, according to a recent Monday Night Shelter survey, there are between 1,200 and 1,400 persons homeless on any given night in Allegheny County. Most of the facilities are located in the City of Pittsburgh. According to the Center for Independent Living, as facilities continue to close for the MH/MR populations, housing, particularly independent housing is often not available for them. Through the Unified Systems Plan, agencies which deal with the MH/MR population have developed a coordinated effort to help prevent this population from becoming homeless.
People with AIDS are also subject to homelessness. As the AIDS epidemic continues and the broader definition of AIDS is incorporated to include those who test positive of the HIV virus, over the next five year period this population will increase substantially in Allegheny County. This means is that those with AIDS will have limited housing opportunities, and are likely to become homeless.
Homeless families suffer particular difficulty because most shelters are not equipped to accommodate them. Often shelters only take men or women with children forcing the family to be separated. The disabled homeless also have difficulty finding shelter because most facilities are not handicapped accessible.
Currently there are 1,634 Emergency Shelter beds, 21 facilities with daytime programs, 7 Drop-In Centers, 4 Soup Kitchens, 484 Bridge Housing Units, 597 Drug and Alcohol Units, and 433 Single Occupancy Units. Homeless service providers have reported that homeless families are the fastest growing population. They report than when families are evicted from units they are often left with nowhere to go. Motel vouchers are being provided for the first time ever for this group. Those who are currently in shelters are in great need of permanent housing combined with appropriate and needed social services. Whether they need medical services, educational training, or job training, or a combination of services, the fact is they need a continuum of housing in combination with social services. This includes shelters, transitional and permanent housing. Housing professionals conclude that by combining these elements the chances of success in keeping people from becoming homeless is greater than if just housing is provided.
Most housing professionals agree that more homeless housing facilities that focus on individuals with drug and alcohol problems are needed. This is especially true since the Brighton Woods/Mercy Hospital treatment facility closed in 1993. The Salvation Army Public Inebriate Program is the only facility of this kind on the South Side of Pittsburgh. For all these groups, the greatest housing need is affordable rental units close to or readily accessible to services which they need.
Although overall economic conditions have been improving during the last year and a half, Allegheny County continues to suffer from the loss of goods producing sectors of the local economy. As little as twelve years ago these industries made up the bulk of this region's "export" industries. Thus, in a very real sense, Allegheny County has lost most of its economic base. Evidence of this is contained in the University of Pittsburgh's study titled Economic Benchmark Indices for the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County released in October of this year(1994) In part the study stated:
"Manufacturing is an important source of jobs and income in nearly all metro areas in the U.S., including the Pittsburgh region. The major trends in this sector's jobs have been:
Concerning job growth the study stated:
"Job growth in industries with above average wages can increase the quality of jobs and increase incomes. The average annual wage for all jobs in Allegheny County was $27,154 in 1992. Recent data on employment change for 2-digit Standardized Industrial Classification ("SIC") industries show that:
Finally part of the overall findings were:
"The other economic performance problems facing the City and County are continuing losses of manufacturing jobs, insufficient growth industries beyond health services, higher job growth in below average wage industries than in above average wage industries, and decline of real manufacturing wages by about one percent per year.
The major disadvantages of the City and County have been low levels of manufacturing output relative to past and to U.S. output, low levels of reading and math skills among students in Pittsburgh public schools, high electric rates, and high state corporate net income taxes."
While some of the growing service industries are also export industries, such as health services, nothing to date has taken the place of the goods producing sector. Allegheny County has been challenged to find a substitute for the steel industry.
(see Maps 6 and 7 that depict areas of concentrated unemployment within Allegheny County).
Allegheny County is unique in the fact that it contains 130 separate municipalities, all of which are incorporated and provide their own level of self government. However, the
autonomy of many of these communities has been undermined by an eroded tax base and out-migration of individuals and families.
The demise of the steel industry and manufacturing base has resulted in the loss of jobs. The unemployed cannot buy the essentials for living so retail businesses have suffered. Additionally, as the jobless fall behind in mortgage payments and lose their homes, housing prices become depressed. Local governments, dependent on revenue from mills and homeowners have found themselves short of funds for essential services and maintenance and upkeep of their infrastructure.
The Department of Development has traditionally offered a number of assorted infrastructure improvements programs to address the needs of our constituency. Our operating agencies continue to request funding assistance for basic programs such as sanitary sewers and facilities, potable water systems, storm sewer and drainage improvements, demolition activities, roads, bridges, highway safety improvements, sidewalks, curbs, retaining walls and municipal recreation improvements.
In conjunction with our CDBG program, the DOD has had many opportunities to utilize other existing loan and grant programs. The importance of forming a partnership to help package project financing fulfills a tremendous need to help stretch our limited dollars.
Since the Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) is initially designated as troubled, §113(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 requires an independent management assessment of the ACHA. Upon completion of this assessment, the Authority is required by 24 CFR 901.140 to negotiate a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with HUD. The purpose of the MOA, a contractual agreement between the ACHA and HUD, is to improve Housing Authority performance in identified areas, sufficient to raise the Authority's total weight PHMAP score to 60% or above.
Despite the overall designation of the ACHA as troubled, the Authority's performance in the area of modernization received a total weighted modernization score of 100 percent. In accordance with 24 CFR 901.135(b) and (d)(4), a score above 90 percent qualifies an Authority for certain incentives in its modernization program. Since the Authority receives administrative relief under the Comprehensive Grant Program, the incentives under the PHMAP program have already been instituted.
In order to address these areas of concern the Authority has set aside a portion of its annual grant funds for management improvements; the total amount targeted for management improvements over the next 5 years is $2,672,000. Management improvements, critical to the long-term viability of the ACHA's public housing, constitute approximately 9 percent of the funding in years 1-4, and five percent in year 5 (1996)".
Zoning ordinances in Allegheny County vary greatly from municipality to municipality and the result, whether intentional or unintentional, is that housing becomes more expensive to build resulting in increased home prices. Because of lot size regulations, set back requirements or amount of land allowed to be used for building, the regulations impede low cost housing from being built. With a significant amount of the land in the County zoned R1, (single family residential), the building density is restricted and multifamily units for rental or ownership are limited and out of reach of the low and moderate income population. According to the Allegheny County Planning Department, almost seventy (70%) of all the land in the County is zoned residential for single family homes on large lot sizes. This can make new construction of affordable housing impossible in these areas.
The DOD is developing new ways to streamline the process for projects and programs to better address the problems of program implementation and delays that projects have run into in the past. Additionally, the DOD is reaching out to the communities for more input and to be available to provide professional assistance where we are able. Recognizing that one of the major problems all organizations face is the lack of money, we are developing new avenues to bring lenders, developers, private business, and non-profits and to become actively involved in the communities in which they do business.
We will encourage municipalities to develop strategic plans which will include prioritizing investment of funds over specific time periods and we will work with them to meet not only their goals but the goals set forth in the Consolidated Plan.
The five year strategy was developed through review of the 1990 Census data for population, housing, and income. It included surveying and meetings with supportive service professionals, housing providers, economic development organizations, planning organizations, community development organizations and the public through community meetings. Each of the following priorities, although not ranked, are the result of information collected from the above mentioned sources.
In addition to governmental funding, the DOD works with non profit organizations, Community for profit developers, Community Development Corporations (CC's), Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO's), homeless advocacy groups, and social service agencies. The DOD appreciates the work and cooperation these agencies have given us and we will continue to work with and improve our relationships with all the organizations.
There is great need in the Entitlement Area for funding of all kinds of projects and programs. However with the limited funding available, during the next fiscal year the DOD will attempt to maintain a balance between the most needed forms of housing and community development. The following is the planned investment for CDBG Year 1995 (April 1, 1995 through March 31, 1996).
(See maps 8, 9, 10, and 11 that depict the location of planned projects where current status of the project makes a specific location possible).
The need to relieve housing cost burden for the elderly continues to be a priority for the Entitlement Area. Through the following programs the DOD will work to provide affordable rental units for the elderly.
The 202 Elderly Program is a HUD administered program in which developers and non profits apply directly for funding. The DOD will review project submissions to provide "gap" financing for these projects Countywide through the Aided Construction Program for a variety of elderly 202 housing projects. The Aided Construction program can also fund other rental housing projects for the elderly from personal care homes to low income units for elderly.
The DOD will also help to coordinate social services to provide a continuum of care in all senior projects in which CDBG, HOME or Gap financing is used. Tax-exempt and taxable bonds may be issued through the Allegheny County Residential Finance Authority on behalf of developers for financing of eligible projects such as nursing homes and personal care boarding homes. Although restrictions apply when a project is qualified this type of funding will be pursued.
Funding for supportive housing will remain at the current funding level unless there is an increase in funding at the federal level.
Emergency Shelter Grant Program will be utilized to assist shelters, food banks, soup kitchens, and bridge housing. Funding at the federal level is expected to be approximately $600,000, while the number of homeless and their needs are increasing in the County. Working in conjunction with the City of Pittsburgh, the DOD will work to find alternative funding sources if federal budget decreases or elimination of this Program occurs.
Shelter Plus Care Program will be applied for in conjunction with Action Housing Inc., for rental assistance that is offered with support services to homeless with disabilities. Since Action Housing is a leader in the County in homeless programs they will state in the application how the rental assistance will be applied.
The Dollar Energy Fund assists low income households in the Entitlement Area with utility bill payments. The non profit organization Dollar Energy Inc., administers this program Countywide which receives funding from several sources include the DOD which will provide $25,000, utility companies, Citizens Energy Fund and public contributions. This program targets very low income individuals and families who need assistance with utility bills.
The Unified Systems project under the direction of the Allegheny County Mental Health Mental/ Retardation Drug and Alcohol Program receives funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to provide housing and services for the MH/MR/Drug and Alcohol population.
The DOD will provide funding for proposals from food banks for equipment needed to provide services to the hungry. The funding level will be increased slightly from last year as there has been a request for more equipment. Approximately $255,000 will support equipment purchases.
The IMPAC Program will be funded with a CDBG funds for rehabilitation in the next fiscal year. We expect this will help bring housing units up to housing quality standards (HQS) and keep housing units from becoming substandard. CDBG funding of $500,000 will be utilized in targeted areas of the Entitlement Area for low interest, zero interest loans and/or grants while DCA funds of approximately $200,000 will be available Countywide for loans and grants. Funding will be at reduced levels this year as the DCA funds received were less than half of what were received last year and CDBG funding levels have been reduced do to less funds being available for current programs. Additionally, mortgage revenue bond funds are available to persons above 80% median income. These loans will be below market rate and available on a Countywide basis except in the City of Pittsburgh.
The Home Ownership Protective Effort (HOPE) is operated through HOI and serves families who are having difficulty meeting mortgage and/or utility payments. This program also helps those who are in risk of foreclosure or interruption of utility services. HOI also conducts the Second Chance Program which deals with families who have suffered a permanent loss of income. The program provides refinancing options, and a mortgage at two percent below the prime rate. Additionally this program provides second mortgages at interest rates from zero to three percent. This program is DCA funded.
PHFA offers a Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) to assist homeowners at least 60 days delinquent in their mortgage payments due to circumstances beyond their control. This program is available Countywide. Action Housing Inc., a non profit organization conducts a similar program as a local initiative.
In the next fiscal year the DOD will fund, through CDBG, PA/DCA and HOME funds, development of affordable rental units. Elderly projects and projects for large families which are appropriately submitted will be given priority through the HOME Program funds. Any projects which are also funded with PHFA or private funds in conjunction with CDBG or HOME funds will be given priority. We will require that at least 51% of the units be rented to low income households. Through the IMPAC program low interest loans will be available to owners of up to four rental units, as long as one unit is owner occupied, for renovation purposes. Investment of this money will be Countywide to give householders the choice of geographic location.
The Section 8 Vouchers & Certificate Program will be used for rental units Countywide. In the last fiscal year the majority of these vouchers & certificates were used by female headed households and we expect the trend to continue as single parent families are the fastest growing part of the population. The ACHA expects to receive approximately 100 vouchers and certificates. In addition to Section 8, Public Housing Improvements and Resident Initiatives will be supported.
The Section 202-Elderly program is directly administered through HUD to developers and non-profit agencies. The DOD will provide "gap" financing in the total amount of $500,000 for various projects funded under the program.
The Loan Management Set-Aside (LMSA) Section 8 contracts. This is another HUD sponsored program which is for multifamily projects in danger of foreclosure. The FHA insured program provides for housing assistance payments for a two year period in HUD related developments.
The Rental Rehabilitation Program administered through RAAC will be funded with CDBG and DCA grants.
The Aided Construction Program uses a front end deferred payment loan and/or a low interest loan rate to provide funding for low and moderate rental units and single family owner units. Because this program provides rental units for a variety of the populations in need of affordable housing, all HOME funds of $3.574 million and CDBG funds of 1,611,477 will be used to fund this program. This program can be used for new construction or rehabilitation of rental units or single family homes.
Through the Allegheny County Residential Finance Authority (ACRFA), projects will be evaluated and permanent funding will be provided through mortgage revenue bonds if the project is able to meet rental guidelines.
Because it is becoming more difficult to find multifamily projects that are fiscally sound enough to help finance, the DOD will explore new funding sources which could work in conjunction with CDBG and/or HOME funds to bring new multifamily units on the affordable rental market.
For persons with disabilities finding appropriate housing is a constant problem. Through the Aided Construction Program, IMPAC Program and Rental Rehabilitation Program projects will be developed which are affordable and handicapped accessible. Other relationships and methods of funding will be explored.
The ACRFA will attempt to offer a new Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bond Program for the CDBG fiscal year. If the interest rates are favorable the ACRFA will provide below market rate mortgages for first-time homebuyers in Allegheny County outside the City of Pittsburgh. In addition we will explore new funding sources for our low interest rate program for persons at or below 60% median income. Since CDBG funds are needed in other programs we do not expect to fund this program with a CDBG allocation. Both the Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bond Program and the low interest rate program have been very successful in the past two years. As a result, if funding is available these programs will be made available.
The MVI Rehab For Resale Program is a second mortgage program funded through Mon Valley Initiative a non-profit organization provides second mortgages to assist people to become homeowners in the Mon Valley communities. This second mortgage is deferred until the property is sold. The DOD has funded this program in 1993 with HOME funds which have not been fully utilized to date.
The Mon Valley Housing Recovery Program will operate throughout this fiscal year. Funds have already been appropriated for this program which provides homebuyer counseling, a first mortgage for purchase of a home and a second mortgage for renovation of the property. The program is available in the following communities: Braddock, Clairton, Duquesne, Homestead, Munhall, Rankin and West Homestead.
MVI Rehab For Resale is continuing this year with funds appropriated in 1994.
Housing Opportunities, Inc. (HOI) operates two programs that first time homebuyers can utilize. This non-profit organizations works to provide low and moderate persons and families with programs that will help them to become homeowners and counsels them after purchase to remain homeowners. Housing Opportunities Inc. directs the Earned Home Ownership Program (EHOP) which is funded through DCA and HUD. This program assists persons and families with pre-purchase counseling and lender assisted fixed rate financing. The target population is those between 60 and 80% of the median.
Housing Counseling services will be funded to help people with credit problems, discrimination complaints, household maintenance problems, and homeownership responsibilities. This program helps the low income homeowner and those low and very low income persons who want to become homeowners but are not currently able to qualify for a mortgage.
The County Affordable Housing Program (CAHP) will continue to be administered through ACTION-Housing Inc. The DOD plans to rehabilitate properties owned locally, by the County, or HUD to sell to low income buyers. This program is used Countywide where houses are available.
Economic development activities, while varied, focus on activities stimulating the creation or retention of job opportunities and economic stimulus. Examples include direct loans to businesses, technical assistance and employment support activities.
Economic development programs and activities may combine with other non-CDBG programs having shared or supporting goals. Applications have been sponsored for the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce's Business Infrastructure Development Program (BID), Industrial Communities Site Program (ICSP) and the Economic Development Partnership Fund (EDP). These programs complement the Economic Development Division's activities by providing funding for site improvements, infrastructure and environmental clean-up. CDBG loan programs also combine with non-CDBG loan programs such as the Pennsylvania Capital Loan Fund (PCLF), the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and the Small Business Administration's 504 Program.
The DOD contracts with Pittsburgh Countywide Corporation, Inc. for administration of its business loan programs, Functions include loan review, loan documentation and closing, loan portfolio maintenance and monitoring of resultant jobs.
The Municipal Development Division administers a variety of public improvements and infrastructure activities which benefit low and moderate income residents through the financing of new construction or rehabilitation projects. It is anticipated that approximately 200 projects in the following program areas will be funded:
The Safe Neighborhoods Demolition Program will be funded with approximately 96 sites slated for demolition representing 92 municipalities.
(See Maps 8, 9, 10, and 11 that depict the location of projects within various parts of Allegheny County)
The DOD is considered a limited partner in the funding of many of these projects, and has estimated that approximately the four million dollars of CDBG funds budgeted for projects will leverage approximately $4,500,000 of additional revenues to assist in project financing.
Under the Commercial Revitalization Program CDBG funds are provided to assist in revitalization and restoration activities in older Central Business Districts. Through non-profit organizations grants are provided to undertake the following activities: reconstruction of sidewalks, and curbs, installation of decorative lighting, planting of trees, new trash receptacles, and street signage.
Allegheny County will explore the options available concerning increasing and/or designating shelter and transitional facilities, especially for homeless males, with drug and alcohol problems. As aforementioned this is becoming an increasing problem. Additionally, the large family shelter needs will be explored more thoroughly. Lastly, geographic diversity and future locational choices of transitional facilities will be explored.
Concurrent with the objectives of Steering Committee on Homeless, Allegheny County will ardently pursue the implementation of the already approved Homeless Prevention Plan.
Also, the already in place following five programs will be continued and expanded if possible:
There are three specific programs that can assist with this transition. A listing and brief description are as follows: Partners in Self-Sufficiency; Homeless Families Service Program; and Case Management.
Because the creation of affordable rental housing is the highest priority, new affordable housing opportunities will be made available for all eligible residents.
4. Actions For the "Non-Homeless" with Special Needs Category
Allegheny County sponsored Unified Systems Program coordinates the release and proper housing placement of approximately 150 patient discharges from Mayview State Hospital. The persons are appropriately placed in one of the following residential settings: long term structured residences; personal care homes; community residential rehabilitation facilities; supportive housing facilities or nursing homes. Other groups such as the Center for Independent Living, United Cerebral Palsy and the Association for the Blind are involved to some varying degree with housing development.
MAP 1 depicts points of interest in the jurisdiction.
MAP 2 depicts points of interest and low-moderate income areas (South).
MAP 3 depicts points of interest and low-moderate income areas (North).
MAP 4 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and minority concentration levels (North).
MAP 5 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and minority concentration levels (South).
MAP 6 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and unemployment levels (South).
MAP 7 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and unemployment levels (North).
MAP 8 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, unemployment levels, and proposed HUD funded projects (Northwest).
MAP 9 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, unemployment levels, and proposed HUD funded projects (Northeast).
MAP 10 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, unemployment levels, and proposed HUD funded projects (Southeast).
MAP 11 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, unemployment levels, and proposed HUD funded projects (Southwest).
MAP 8-11 Legend provides information on projects identified in Maps 8-11.
William C. Long, Senior Housing Planner
Allehgeny County Department of Development
400 Fort Pitt Commons
445 Fort Pitt Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
