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Living the dream County's redevelopment authority programs help low-, middle-income families purchase or fix up homes
Staff writer
James and Kimberly Johnson are living the American dream, thanks in part to the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington.
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Over the years, the agency has assisted nearly 2,000 low- and moderate- income Washington County residents either purchase or renovate homes through loan and grant programs it provides with federal and state funding.
"It's like you have the dream of owning your own home, but you never think it's going to happen," said Johnson, who works with the mentally handicapped for Washington-Greene A.R.S. and is a certified nursing assistant. "We're just excited and can't wait to move in."
Johnson and his wife, Kimberly, a certified nursing assistant at Presbyterian Senior Care, shopped for homes, but like many in the work force, found saving money for a home difficult while juggling expenses and caring for their three young daughters.
After getting married, the Johnsons bought a trailer, then moved into a rented house.
They recently moved in with Kimberly's mother to save money for a home to accommodate Sheridan, 4, Savannah, 3, and Siearra, 18 months, and Johnson's teen-aged daughters, Jackie and Stacee.
It was Kimberly's mother who told the pair about the authority's assistance programs, and the couple filled out an application in 2006 for the Highland Ridge Homebuyer Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance for the purchase of newly constructed houses in the Highland Ridge area.
The program is designed for homebuyers whose incomes do not exceed 80 percent of the median income for the Pittsburgh area, depending on family size. Local banks like Washington Federal Savings and Loan are involved with the program, and provide low-interest mortgage loans for a minimum of $52,700. The Redevelopment Authority offers a second loan.
The couple is slated to move into their three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a two-car garage on Poplar Street on Sept. 1, when contractor Waller Corp. completes construction.
In all, 25 homes will be constructed in the Highland Ridge area.
Providing affordable housing and opportunities for repairs and improvements is important to the well-being of the community, said Cindy Linville, director of the home improvement department of the Redevelopment Authority.
"The programs are an important way to maintain the existing housing base and the tax base. So, the individual benefits, but the community benefits as well. It has an impact around the neighborhoods. People see their neighbors taking pride in their properties, and they get out a can of paint, or plant some flowers," said Linville, who points out that people never know when they might need to turn to the agency for a helping hand. "We're all just one accident or illness away from being in financial trouble."
That was the case for Robert and Penny Johnson of Linn Street. Four years ago, Robert's health began to decline and the former home remodeler found himself on dialysis, suffering from kidney disease and other problems.
Penny applied and qualified for a Highland Ridge Home Rehabilitation loan, designed to assist low and moderate income homeowners in making needed repairs and improvements to their properties.
Parts of their neatly kept home, complete with ponds and a terraced back yard, started to deteriorate as it became increasingly difficult for the Johnsons to keep on top of major work.
Through the Highland Ridge Home Rehabilitation Program, whose funding is provided by the state Department of Community and Economic Development, the Johnsons had siding installed to cover insulbrick, roof work done, broken windows replaced, and electrical work completed.
"The program is wonderful," said Penny, who lives behind Poplar Street where the James Johnson family will live. "And the new homes being built will definitely upgrade this area. People already are taking better care of their yards."
Robert and Penny Johnson now are applying for the authority's ACCESS program, which provides grants for modification of houses to accommodate those with disabilities.
Olivia Callaway's home at 75 Sumner Ave. underwent renovation after she read an advertisement for redevelopment authority projects in the newspaper and applied for assistance.
"They did a wonderful job, that's for sure," said Callaway, who qualified for a $20,000 forgivable loan. Exterior work included a new roof, gutters and drainspouts. Inside, a construction crew installed new kitchen cabinets - Callaway had none - provided insulation, and installed a carbon monoxide monitor.
"I was just overjoyed. I wouldn't have ever been able to do what I needed to do," said Callaway. "I was humbled."
The redevelopment authority's track record is impressive. Since 1977, it has helped more than 1,900 families throughout Washington County purchase or renovate homes. The authority recently used federal disaster funds to help repair 17 homes damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
Linville emphasizes that the program is possible because of the cooperation of three groups.
"It's important to note that three parties are involved with every program: the redevelopment authority and the funding we receive, the residents of Washington County, who benefit, and the contractors who are willing to do work for the redevelopment authority and its clients. If not for the contractors' willingness to take lead - safe training and work through all of the red tape - these programs would be difficult to execute," said Linville.
Joyce Ellis, who serves on the board of the Redevelopment Authority and is renovating the LeMoyne Center, encourages residents to apply for the programs.
She mentioned that many people she talked to didn't think they would qualify for assistance and don't bother to pick up an application. An acquaintance of hers recently told Ellis she doubted she would qualify and wasn't going to pursue it.
"All I could do is take her to the well. People are not even going to the well, and that's been disappointing," said Ellis, who works tirelessly to revitalize the Washington area. "You've gotta at least come to us."
And take that shot at the American dream.
Those interested in the programs can obtain applications from the Redevelopment Authority office, 100 West Beau Street, Washington. Applications will be mailed upon request by calling the Authority at 724-228-6875, and are also available at the city of Washington Municipal Building, and can be downloaded from the Authority Web site at www.racw.net.
