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Affordable Housing Funding to Improve Service, Safety, Compliance at Allentown Rescue Mission

For the third time in twelve months, FHLBank Pittsburgh provided $500,000 in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) funding to a Pennsylvania rescue mission. During a ceremony at Allentown Rescue Mission, U.S. Rep. Charles Dent (PA-15) announced the grant with Brent Peters, president and CEO of FHLBank member East Penn Bank, which delivered the funding for the mission's first major renovation of the facility since 1961.

"For more than a century, Allentown Rescue Mission has played a unique role in addressing the needs of a fragile segment of our society," Congressman Dent said. "The funding we announce today ensures that an increasing number of homeless have a roof over their heads, warm surroundings and — equally important — the supportive human environment they need to improve their lives. I salute East Penn Bank and FHLBank for their corporate stewardship."

"This funding is a significant investment and an affirmation of the role that faith-based institutions play in neighborhoods," said Gary Millspaugh, the mission's executive director. "The fact that this grant was championed, approved and delivered by two private institutions underscores the considerable good that the private sector can play when it joins hands with the nonprofit community."

The renovation will include construction of 17 new housing units and rehabilitation of 77 existing ones, reflecting the mission's continued commitment to meeting the needs of the region's less fortunate. The mission will also install an elevator, barrier-free bathroom facilities, a new stair tower, insulation and energy-efficient doors and windows. Overall, the work will enhance safety, aesthetics and ADA compliance while reducing facility operating costs through insulation and environmental improvements. Renovation is scheduled to begin in October.

Last year, Allentown Rescue Mission served more than 600 men in crisis with short-term housing and services that included food and clothing. Residents also received individualized case management to help them solve problems causing their homelessness, including chemical addiction. In addition to operating substance abuse and long-term principled-living programs, the mission also manages 33 units of affordable permanent housing and reaches out to low-income individuals with bad debt and helps them find affordable housing in the larger community.

In addition to the Allentown grant from East Penn Bank, FHLBank Pittsburgh has also awarded $500,000 in AHP funding to Harrisburg's Bethesda Rescue Mission and Lancaster's Water Street Mission.