HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED IN GREENE COUNTY
Department of Economic Development
Richard (Rich) Davis, Housing Specialist
Chris Hardie, County Planner 49 South Washington Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370
Phone: 724-852-5300 / Fax: 724-852-2944
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m., Monday — Friday
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging is making available technical assistance with the goal of helping counties to expand housing for elderly and persons with disabilities, especially those transitioning from nursing homes back into the community. With the help of several key players, a strategic plan is being initialized to address both long- and short-term housing needs in Greene County. Due to funding at this time, the focus will be on housing for elderly and persons with disabilities, including the households recently affected by the Avalong Court fire and the displacement of the residents from 40 apartments who are temporarily re-housed.
GREENE COUNTY HOUSING PLAN & POLICY
The Housing Task Force reconvened in early part of 2011 and once again noted the drastic need of housing across all sectors. A recommendation to create a Housing Plan and Policy was made by the Task Force and the County Commissioners agreed to embark on a 100-day study starting in mid-May 2011. The Redevelopment Authority was given the task of organizing the Plan and Policy and teamed up with Keith Schmidt of Bridge Connections to facilitate the plan process.
Click here to access the final draft (dated Jan. 30, 2012) for housing policy and plans in Greene County. The philosophy of the housing plan for Greene County emphasizes the construction and maintenance of sound, affordable housing, rehabilitation of aging structures, and the development of new housing patterns that are compatible with the community’s character. Recommendations address the collection and analysis of housing data to identify trends and regulations and incentives for housing maintenance and revitalization.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY
Proper housing plays an important factor in one’s happiness and independence. Owning a home is the sign of security and independence to the most of us.
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD
The Housing Board meets every third Thursday each month at 5:00 pm in the Community Room at Woodside Manor in Carmichaels, PA (until further notice). Housing Authority Board Members included the following: (Updated 10/11/2011)
Ann Bargerstock, Chairman
William Groves, Vice Chairman
Michael Caruso, Board Member
Elizabeth Kennedy, Board Member (appointed 10/6/2011)
Keith Davin, Board Member
HOUSING REFERENCES IN GREENE COUNTY
Following is a listing of agencies and individuals currently involved in, or supportive of, a range of housing activities in Greene County (listed in no particular order):
Senior LIFE Centers (Washington call toll free at 1-877-998-LIFE (5433) and Waynesburg, the newest center, located at 55 Sugar Run Road, Waynesburg, PA.
Housing Authority of the County of Greene (HACG) (Phone: 724-627-6523)
The Pennsyvlania Association of Housing & Redevelopment Agencies (PAHRA) — Greene County Housing Authority, PO Box 791, Waynesburg, PA 15370 — Contact: Lois A. Mocniak, Executive Directory (Phone 724-627-6523 / Fax: 724-627-6522)
Greene County Housing Options Partnership (GCHOP) — 19 S. Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Fort Jackson Building, Waynesburg, PA 15370 (Phone: 724-852-5276 x5)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD.gov — HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business.
SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA AREA AGENCY ON AGING
Domiciliary Care (Dom Care) provides supervised alternative group home living arrangements for eligible adults who are unable to live alone because of physical disabilities, medical problems or mental impairments. At a time when a person's special needs exceed the capabilities of the families, friends or human service agencies, Dom Care offers 24-hour care and supervision within a family-type environment. Participating Dom Care home providers:
Area Agency on Agency Dominiliary Care — 305 Chamber Plaza, Charleroi, PA 15022 (Phone: 724-489-8083 / Toll Free: 1-800-411-5655)
Fayette County District Office — 137 North Beeson Avenue, Suite 107, Uniontown, PA 15401 (Phone: 724-430-4603)
Greene County District Office — 93 East High Street, Level B, Waynesburg, PA 15370 (Phone: 724-852-1510)
Washington County District Office — 150 West Beau Street, Suite 216, Washington, PA 15301 (Phone: 724-228-7080)
HOUSING NEEDS IN GREENE COUNTY
Greene County has pressing short-term and long-term housing needs, especially for the expansion of rental housing for families, senior citizens and persons with disabilities who meet low and moderate income guidelines. The Greene County Housing Authority (GCHA) manages apartment buildings are located in neighborhoods in Waynesburg and Carmichaels, PA. GCHA is an attractive option for older adults on a fixed income and familites just starting out.
Unfortunately the waiting lists are long, but not impossible! Following is our current list of housing:
Short-Term Housing:
Senior Housing
Affordable Housing
Private Housing
Long-Term Housing:
Greene County Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 745, Waynesburg, PA 15370 (Phone: 229-924-6935) — a non-profit, ecumenical Christian Housing Ministry Dedicated To Eliminating Substandard Housing And Homelessness Worldwide And To Making Adequate, Affordable Shelter A Matter Of Conscience And Action. Habitat Invites People From All Faiths And Walks Of Life To Work Together In Partnership, Building Houses With Families In Need.
Owner-Occupied Housing:
INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM
This program is dedicated to serving youth who have been, or are currently, in the custody of Greene County Children & Youth Services (CYS) on or after their 16th birthday. Independent Living Aftercare component provides case management and supportive services until their 21st birthday. The Greene County Independent Living program completes an assessment of all eligible youth and provides assistance with:
Life Skills
Career Planning and employment
Education
Housing including room and board services
Mentoring
Prevention and Wellness
Contact the Independent Living Caseworker at 724-852-5217 SUBSIDIZED HOUSING IN GREENE COUNTY
Many households would benefit from Governmental Subsidized Housing, however all existing subsidized housing units are filled, with waiting lists and modest turnover. Following is a summary of the available subsidized housing:
HUD Subsidized Apartments / Affordable Housing:
Avalon Court: 170 E. Greene Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370
Grandview Apartments: Grandview Drive, Waynesburg, PA 15370
Liberty Avenue: behine McCracken's Pharmacy, Waynesburg, PA 15370
Thompson Gardens: 5th & Walnut Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370
Southside: Elm, Richhill, & Walnut Alley, Waynesburg, PA 15370
Wayne Villete, West High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370
Woodland Avenue Apartments: Woodland Avenue, Waynesburg, PA 15370
Woodside Manor: 522 P South & Renehart, Carmichaels, PA 15320
Private Subsidized Housing:
Bridge Street Commons: 600 Bridge Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370 (724-627-4145) 30 (1-bedroom) apartments, 62+ older or 18+ with a disability that requires an accessible unit.
Waynesburg House: 75 W. Lincold Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370 (724-627-5031) Insignia Management Company (814-749-9210)
PENNSYLVANIA PROPERTY TAX OR RENT REBATE PROGRAM:
The property Tax/Rebate program has been dramatically expanded to give more older and disabled Pennsylvanians a rebate and increase the amount of the rebates. A new law increases the income limit from $15,000.00 to $35,000.00 for homeowners and boosts the maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters from $500.00 to $650.00. Applicants can exclude one-half (1/2) of their Social Security income, so people who make substantially more than $35,000.00 may still qualify for a rebate.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program expansion is a part of a broader property tax relief initiative. For information, visit www.propertytaxrelief.com
Each year the Department establishes temporary offices to help taxpayers. To see a list of offices, visit the Department’s Web site, or call the district office nearest you.
PA Department OF Revenue District Office Room 104, State Office Building 300 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1210 Phone number: (412) 565-7540
State Representative Office 222 Elm Drive, Waynesburg, PA 15370 Phone number: 724-627-8683
Community Action Southwest
Senior Services (for people 60+ years of age) Waynesburg, PA 15370 Phone number: 724-852-2893
DOLLAR ENERGY UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
Dollar Energy is a program that provides assistance and tangible aid to families and individuals experiencing difficulty in affording adequate and safe utility supplies in order to maintain basic living standards. List of Participating Agencies in Greene County:
Catholic Charities-724-627-6410
UTILITY COMPANIES OFFERING UNIVERSAL SERVICE (LOW INCOME) PROGRAMS:
Allegheny Power 1-800-207-1250
Columbia Gas 1-800-537-7431
Dominion-Peoples Gas 1-800-400-9276
Equitable Gas 1-800-654-6335
SECTION 8 HOMEOWNERSHIP FINAL RULE
The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) — Section 8 Homeownership Program Final Rule, issued September 12, 2000, amends the regulations for the Section 8 Rule tenant-based rental voucher program to allow Section 8 payments to be made for homeownership purposes under specified circumstances and at the discretion of the PHA. A PHA may, at its option, use a portion of its Section 8 vouchers for homeownership purposes.
Homeownership Vouchers Housing Choice Vouchers — allow very low-income families to choose and lease or purchase safe, decent, and affordable privately-owned rental housing. Click here to learn more about the Housing Choice Vouchers Program.
The Federal Home Loan Bank System — is comprised of 12 banks and the Office of Finance which provides funds for mortgages and community lending. Each Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBs) is a government-sponsored enterprise, federally chartered, but privately capitalized and independently managed. Federal Home Loan Bank Programs for Community Investments (CIP) is a noncompetitive, community development lending program that provides below-market-rate advances to members. These loans enable members to extend long-term financing for housing for households with incomes up to 115 percent of the area median income and for economic development that benefits low- and moderate-income families and neighborhoods. Click here to read more about FHLB Programs for Community Investments.
HOUSING & MORTGAGES ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING:
Helpful Guide for Affordable Housing — www.mortgageloan.com/affordable/, an excellent source to help persons of low income gain an understanding of the options available when it comes to finding affordable housing and getting a mortgage.
For general information, please contact the Information Services at 724-852-5399 / Toll Free: 1-888-852-5399. County Office Building, 93 E. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370
