Dauphin News

HARRISBURG – Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) announced $522,500 in state grants aimed at promoting homeownership by assisting low-income individuals and improving distressed areas in Pennsylvania communities.

A $285,000 grant was awarded to the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group for Washington County to address main street and residential vacancies. As the project enters its final year of a six-year initiative, pedestrian traffic in downtown Washington has already improved. With support from volunteers and local leaders, the grant will target blight, support small business stability, and attract three new businesses to grow the existing base. It will also be used to repair 15 homes.

The Mon Valley Alliance received a $237,500 grant to continue the Charleroi Neighborhood Partnership Program for the third year of a six-year project. The program will provide down payment assistance to four families, pre-home purchasing counseling to 10 families, and foreclosure mitigation for three families. Additionally, two home modifications will be completed, and five consumers will benefit from workforce development and financial coaching services.

“This funding will refresh our area and help families stay in their homes. It’s important for both children and adults to minimize the stressful disruption of moving. Because of the grants, they can stay anchored in their communities, enjoying the connection to others that’s not nearly as common as it was decades ago. After all, that’s part of what makes our area so special,” Bartolotta said.

The grants were awarded through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP).

Bartolotta recently held a workshop for Greene County businesses and nonprofits to aid them in securing NAP grants that will support county development.

CONTACT: Katrina Hanna, 717-787-1463