FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, PA—After the completion of a public hearing on November 14, the Zoning Hearing Board of East Vincent Township unanimously granted Mission First Housing Group a variance for its veterans’ housing project, The Whitehall at 3795 Schuylkill Road in East Vincent Township, PA.

Mission First is proposing to renovate the existing historic Whitehall Inn and construct a new addition that will create permanent housing for at least 50 veterans. The building will also include a community room and fitness facilities, as well as a computer room. The Whitehall will have a live-in property superintendent, and on-site supportive services to link veterans to community-based supports.

“It will be great to have something viable in this space, and the fact that it supports helping veterans is a bonus,” said Paul Chrisman, owner of New Street Auto Service which is located right next to the intended project. “The property has been vacant for a long time and it detracts from my business and the businesses in the community. With the Southeastern Veterans Center nearby, it is a great complement.”

“The men and women who bravely serve our country make sacrifices every day, so they shouldn’t have to worry about finding a ‘home’ when they return from their tours,” said Walter Kubiak, CEO of Mission First Housing Group, and a Captain (Former) of the United States Naval Academy, U.S. Marine Corps. “I want to thank East Vincent Township for its support of the zoning relief needed to build The Whitehall. This support will be instrumental in making this much needed project a reality.”

Planning for the Whitehall began in the summer of 2012 when Mission First met with representatives of the Coatesville VA Medical Center (CVAMC) to discuss the development of veterans housing in Chester County. CVAMC indicated that the limited supply of affordable housing units in the County was preventing the veterans it serves from securing safe, stable, and affordable housing. CVAMC indicated that many veterans prefer to live in the company of other veterans who have shared similar life experiences. In response to the increased need for veterans housing, Mission First decided to develop the Whitehall as a resource for this population.

“I think it is a good idea,” said Ron Heatwole a veteran of the Korean (War) Police Action and resident of East Vincent Township. “These veterans are more used to living in a place with other veterans, and this will give them a more independent style of living.”

The next step for Mission First is to secure funding for the project. With the zoning in place, Mission First is expecting to submit a financing application to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency in March. Assuming approval of the application, Mission First will begin construction in late 2014 and be ready to lease the units in late 2015.

Mission First Housing Group develops and manages affordable, safe and sustainable homes for people in need, with a non-profit, mission-driven focus on the most vulnerable. We ensure our residents have access to resources to help them live independently. We deliver housing that provides long-term benefits to residents and neighborhoods, alike.

What began 25 years ago as a joint venture between the City of Philadelphia, HUD and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, has become a full-service real estate organization developing high-quality, green community assets across the Mid-Atlantic region. Mission First currently provides affordable housing and services to nearly 3,000 people in over 2,500 units, serving low income populations that include veterans, elderly and the disabled.
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Contact: Becky Lang Staffieri
(215) 557-8414
Cell: (215) 651-4858
rstaffieri@missionfirsthousing.org