Mayor Ed Gainey and URA Release 2023 Housing Opportunity Fund Annual Report

Mayor Ed Gainey and URA Release 2023 Housing Opportunity Fund Annual Report

Pittsburgh, PA -

Mayor Ed Gainey and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) have released the 2023 Housing Opportunity Fund Annual Report. The report, available online here, will be a topic at the next URA board meeting scheduled to take place on August 8th.

"Housing should not be a luxury, but instead a right afforded to every resident in our city," said Mayor Ed Gainey. "We are committed to advancing existing housing programs and services that not only increase the number of affordable housing units across our city but allow our residents to remain in the places they call home. These investments are critical in meeting the needs of our residents, ultimately making it possible for them to thrive."

The Housing Opportunity Fund is a trust fund that aims to increase and preserve the supply of decent, safe, and sanitary affordable housing for low-income households. The City of Pittsburgh has committed $10 million per year to fund the HOF programs and activities.

"I am incredibly proud of what we've been able to accomplish," said URA Executive Director Susheela Nemani-Stanger. "From preventing 241 households from being displaced due to crises, to providing legal assistance for 803 renters and homeowners, to helping 126 people buy their first home. Ensuring that every Pittsburgher can access affordable housing or keep their current housing is the heart of our work."

Housing Opportunity Fund 2023 Impact:

• Prevented 241 households from being displaced due to crises;
• Provided free housing legal assistance for 803 renters and homeowners;
• Helped 126 people buy their first home through the Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program;
• Closed on financial assistance for 121 homeowners to be used for home repairs and renovations; and
• Closed 5 Rental Gap Program projects leading to the creation and preservation of 162 affordable units.

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