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Santorum, Pitts, FHLBank Present $1.08 Million in Funding for Three Southcentral Pennsylvania Projects

LANCASTER, PA, September 16, 2005 — U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA), U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA-16) and Bill Batz, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank), announced $1.08 million in grants for three Affordable Housing Program (AHP) projects in southcentral Pennsylvania.

A check for $500,000 in AHP grant money was presented to Water Street Rescue Mission in Lancaster — where the announcement ceremony was held — for the renovation or construction of transitional housing to serve 85 of the mission's approximately 200 clients. Project completion is expected by mid-2007. The nondenominational mission also provides free meals, thrift goods, youth ministries and Bible studies.

Water Street also extended its outreach to evacuees of Hurricane Katrina, providing approximately two weeks' worth of food to 34 evacuees who relocated to the area. Through donations from members of the community, the mission has shared more than 15 tons of food, as well as water, trucked to relief organizations along the Gulf Coast.

"In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we have again been reminded of the severe challenges that life can present," Batz said. "While Katrina's force devastated millions with a single blow and captured the headlines, we should remember that there are countless others all across our country who seek decent shelter, basic nutrition, adequate health care and the opportunity for a better future on a daily basis."

"This funding is most welcome and comes at a significant time in the life of our facility," said Jere Shertzer, president of Water Street Rescue Mission. "It allows us to more fully meet the needs of a growing clientele. We sincerely appreciate the FHLBank of Pittsburgh's understanding of our community mission and our elected representatives' strong and tireless support of affordable housing for the homeless."

The Bank also awarded $580,000 for the construction of affordable housing elsewhere in southcentral Pennsylvania. A $190,000 grant will help fund development of a new Section 202 apartment building for older persons in western York County to house 19 very-low-income families and individuals, and $390,000 was awarded for construction of 64 units at Geneva Green Apartments in Mechanicsburg.

"The FHLBank has once again been a reliable partner for providing financial help and services to communities throughout Pennsylvania," said Sen. Santorum. "As a member of the committee that has jurisdiction over affordable housing, and as a member of the Senate leadership, this news is a welcome gift to those who are in need of safe and affordable housing."