Authority receives funds
Grants totaling over $108,000 from the FY2005 SuperNofa were recently awarded to the Butler County Housing Authority in support of family self-sufficiency and homeownership The authority has assisted over 200 low-moderate income families achieve homeownership over the past 8 years.
McKinney-Vento grant funds totaling $467,000 were awarded to the Housing Authority for homeless assistance. The awards will be used to continue programming at Deshon Place, a transitional homeless facility for adults aged 18-62 on the grounds of the VA Medical Center and for construction of 5 units of permanent housing for chronically homeless individuals at Franklin Court Apartments.
The Housing Authority has secured site control for Deshon Place Phase II on the grounds of the VA Medical Center, Butler, PA. The facility will add 10 additional units of transitional housing for the homeless, targeting veterans.
The Housing Authority has applied for additional funding to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development in the amount of $371,000 for Brownfields for Housing Rehab assistance. The County of Butler's matching contribution of $125,000 was the catalyst for the expansion of this successful initiative.
An application has been made to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for additional housing choice vouchers in the Mainstream Program. These vouchers will provide rental housing assistance for families of persons with disabilities. The Authority has been successful in previous grant rounds in obtaining 275-rental assistance vouchers set-aside for people with disabilities.
The Butler County Housing Authority recently received a rating of “High Performer” by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in its Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS). To receive this distinction, an Authority must receive a combined score of 90 or higher by the Department. The assessment evaluates how well the housing authority is managing public housing properties.
Under Our Wing Apartments is conveniently located at 124 West Cunningham Street in Butler, PA. It consists of 24 furnished studio apartments of affordable housing for limited income individuals, age 62 or older. A joint effort between the YWCA and the Housing Authority of the County of Butler, Under Our Wing is an independent living facility with supportive services.
The facility will offer easy access to stores, banks, restaurants, hospital/medical services, doctors, public transportation, etc.
Income and age restrictions apply.
Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the County of Butler
114 Woody Drive Butler PA 16001
724 287-6797 or 1-800-433-6327
TDD# 1-800-545-1833 Ext. 772
BUTLER, PA-The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Butler in conjunction with State Senator Jane Orie's office and the Strand Theatre Initiative are pleased to announce the award of a $400,000 grant for renovations and restoration of the Strand Theatre in Zelienople PA.
The Strand Theatre Initiative under the leadership of Mr. Ron Carter has been working to revive and restore the theatre for several years. At the request of Senator Orie the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Butler assisted the Strand Theatre Initiative for application of funds through the Commonwealths Revitalization Capital Assistance Grant Program (RCAP). This award of $400,000 is matched by an additional $800,000 raised by the Strand Theatre Initiative and will enable construction to begin as early as Spring 2007.
President and Executive Director of the Strand Theatre Initiative Mr. Ron Carter said “My thanks go out to Senator Orie, the State of Pennsylvania and particularly the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Butler for their help in this process. This grant will enable us to begin construction and officially open the theatre for business.” State Senator Jane Orie commented “ When the Strand Theatre Initiative group approached me to help, I was pleased to be of assistance. Their enthusiasm and dedication and the obvious importance of saving and renovating the Strand Theatre on Zelienople's Main Streets is vital to our region.”
While many public and private organizations and citizens have supported the Strand Theatres fund raising efforts, the Butler County Commissioners recommended the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Butler as the appropriate entity to apply for State funding. Scott Lowe, Chairman stated “This is another project that the County Commissioners fully support. We commend the Strand Theatre Initiative group and the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Butler for their hard work and efforts to secure these State funds and very much appreciate Senator Orie's leadership.”
Perry O'Malley, Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Butler stated “This is a prime example of public, private and non profit partnerships working together to accomplish difficult projects. Not only will Zelienople Borough have a new gem on Main Street to be proud of but thousands of citizens will soon be able to access another cultural venue in the County.” The Strand Theatre Initiative is committed to ongoing fund raising for a second phase that will expand the theatre to a full performing arts theatre.
12TH ANNUAL HOMEBUYERS FAIR
The Housing Authority of the County of Butler is sponsoring the 12th Annual Butler County Homebuyers Fair in conjunction with the Butler County Homeownership Program. The afternoon affair will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2008, from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Days Inn, Route 8 South, Butler, PA. This event is free and open to the public and will feature exhibits by local realtors, banks, mortgage lenders, and a variety of other services associated with homeownership. There will also be evening workshops on special topics. Refreshments will be served and housing professionals will be able to answer questions concerning homeownership.