Wyalusing, PA—Mission First Housing Group is pleased to announce it has received $918,226 in federal tax credits and $750,000 in PennHOMES funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to finance Wyalusing Meadows, a new construction development of 50 affordable townhome units serving households with incomes up to $34,530 a year.

“Mission First is thankful to PHFA for making this commitment to our project,” said Walt Kubiak, Chief Executive Officer of Mission First Housing Group. “We are eager to expand our work in Pennsylvania beyond Southeastern Pennsylvania and into Bradford County, where this project is needed.”

Mission First will develop Wyalusing Meadows in conjunction with The Hayseed Group, a local development company that was founded in 2003 by three longtime residents of Wyalusing. Together, their goal is to make a positive local impact by providing for well-planned developments that fit into the fabric of the community.

“This is a win-win for Wyalusing,” said David Burgess, a managing partner of the Hayseed Group. “We are expanding the housing base that will result in new people getting integrated into our churches, fire companies and civic organizations, as well as adding new consumers for our business community. Mission First has a long existing positive track record as a first rate company, and they have been great to work with.”

Wyalusing Meadows is the first phase of three phases of affordable housing that will be developed on a large, 82-acre site. The project site is located in Wyalusing Borough near the intersection of State Street and Route 6, a main thoroughfare through Bradford County, which provides access to many of the County’s major employers and retail areas. The project brings $7 million in construction dollars to Wyalusing, including an estimated 58 construction jobs through Caldwell, Heckles and Egan Inc. The green design and construction of Wyalusing Meadows will help reduce energy bills and create a healthier living environment.

“The Wyalusing Meadows development will bring to Bradford County 50 units of affordable housing, which are critically needed for people in that part of the state,” said Brian Hudson, PHFA’s executive director and CEO. “We’re pleased that our funding for Mission First can help move this project forward.”

An on-site service coordinator will work with tenants and assist in making connections to local agencies for services, including job training, child care, food assistance, and health care.

The tax credit allocation will amount to over $8,725,000 in funding for Wyalusing Meadows. In addition to the tax credits and PennHOMES, the project has received $500,000 in state Marcellus Shale Impact Fee funds, with an additional request for these state dollars to be submitted in August, and $75,000 from the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development.

Construction is slated to begin in late 2014 or early 2015.

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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. Mission First is 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. More information at www.missionfirsthousing.org.