Multifamily Emergency Grant Funds support affordable housing updates in the Northeast

Philadelphia, PA—Mission First Housing Group is pleased to announce it was awarded $1,039,779 by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)’s Housing Options Grant Program – Multifamily (HOP-MF) to make substantial repairs to 49 affordable apartments in Northeast Philadelphia.

PHFA administers the HOP-MF, funded in the 2022-23 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania budget. This is the first year of the program which funds emergency repairs to existing affordable rental units, the rehab and preservation of currently existing affordable apartments, and the construction of new affordable rental units.

“We appreciate PHFA selecting Mission First to be one of the few organizations to receive funding through the Housing Options Grant Program; allowing us to make needed upgrades to some of our properties in Northeast Philly,” said Thomas Queenan, Chief Executive Officer of Mission First Housing Group. “Mission First has worked with PHFA for decades on affordable housing in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania and we appreciate their continued support of our work and commitment affordable housing across the Commonwealth.”

Mission First received $508,332 for its properties located at 806 Loney Street and 1710 Rhawn Street in Northeast Philadelphia. Together, these properties total 16 affordable apartments, including many that house vulnerable individuals and families. The funding will allow Mission First to make major repairs to the properties including roof and window replacement, exterior brickwork and paving, and upgrades to lighting, paint and laundry facilities.

In addition, Mission First received $531,447 in HOP-MF funding for a second property in Northeast Philadelphia, 4424-30 Wingate Street. This 2-building, 33-apartment affordable housing complex also houses formerly homeless individuals referred from the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Service’s Coordinated Entry Department. The grant will allow Mission First to replace all 180 windows at the property and the HVAC boiler and water heating system providing a more efficient and energy saving option for the buildings. The parking and dumpster area will also be repaved.

The repairs funded by these awards will help preserve these affordable housing assets in Northeast Philadelphia and ensure a safe, sustainable and comfortable living experience for residents.

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Mission First Housing Group develops and manages affordable, equitable, safe, sustainable homes that support residents and strengthen communities. Mission First currently provides affordable housing and services to more than 5,500 people in nearly 4,000 apartments across the Mid-Atlantic region, serving populations in need, such as veterans, survivors of domestic violence, seniors and the disabled.