Allegheny YMCA Uses Voluntary Housing Grant to Renovate Affordable Housing
Since its opening in 1927, the Allegheny YMCA’s mission has been to serve the people of Pittsburgh through recreational programs, educational opportunities and affordable housing.
After receiving Voluntary Housing Grant (VHG) funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) through FHLBank member financial institution The Reinvestment Fund, the Allegheny YMCA was able to renovate its residential housing spaces.
The Allegheny YMCA serves as a community landmark in Pittsburgh. Located near Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny Commons Park and social services providers, it offers residents convenient access to essential resources and amenities. A $760,901 grant was presented to the Allegheny YMCA to support renovations to 89 Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units, which represent a significant portion of the existing SRO housing supply in Allegheny County. The building’s lower floors provide recreational and community spaces, including a gymnasium, a pool, a weight room, childcare services, youth programming and other resources. The upper floors provide affordable housing for individuals with low incomes, who have faced barriers to stable housing due to various challenges.
The renovation project addressed critical needs within the building’s 89 housing units. Updates included replacing shared bathrooms with private facilities, adding resident lounges, installing laundry facilities, improving accessibility and upgrading essential building systems, including mechanical, plumbing, electrical and safety features.
VHG provides grants to support development, rehabilitation and accessibility improvements of affordable housing in FHLBank’s district of Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. “Spaces like the Allegheny YMCA are incredibly important for our communities,” states Megan Krider, Director, Community Investment at FHLBank. “Continuing to support safe, stable and affordable housing and community amenities in historic locations strengthen our communities.”
