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Shawn Lewis has ended his commute from Downtown Erie to the rural community of Edinboro.

The 34-year-old sous-chef used to say goodbye to his wife, Amanda, and their four children as he headed out to his job in the kitchen at Edinboro University. Now all he has to do is make a short trip through town. And he’s building wealth for his family along the way.

Lewis is one of 150 applicants who applied to Erie’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Service (HANDS) to move into one of 29 lease-to-own units in Edinboro Family Homes, an attractive new neighborhood that is attracting qualified lower-income individuals who want to set down roots in the northwestern Pennsylvania borough.

"When we first found out about it, we couldn't believe it was real for the price," Amanda Lewis said. Each home sports central air-conditioning, appliances, wall-to-wall carpeting, one- and two-car garages and a spacious yard. It is also energy-efficient and handicap-friendly. The homes are within walking distance of a local grocery store and also close to a bus route.

For the first 15 years, families lease their home for a maximum of $600 per month while they work with HANDS to develop homeownership skills. In the 16th year, they have the option to purchase their home at a reduced rate.

“Ensuring affordable housing for working families with limited means is an integral part of improving the quality of life for all members of the community,” said Congressman Phil English (PA-3), who served as keynote speaker. “This innovative program will open the door to first-time homeownership for dozens of local residents who would not otherwise have a house to call home.”

Financing for Edinboro Family Homes comes from several FHLBank partners: the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, PNC Bank, PNC MultiFamily Capital and through FHLBank Pittsburgh’s own Affordable Housing Program.

“We have won over so many hearts with the high quality of construction and attractiveness of this project,” says Chuck Scalise, president of HANDS. “This has been a true partnership involving federal, state, local, private and nonprofit resources. Each partner has made a wonderful commitment to this important endeavor.”