Pennsylvania Grant Fuels 40 New Affordable Homes in North Philadelphia

A significant initiative to provide affordable housing is set to transform a vacant block in North Philadelphia’s Fairhill neighborhood. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency has awarded a $1.7 million grant to the Women’s Community Revitalization Project (WCRP) to construct 40 new homes on a blighted section of the area. This project will take place at 513-533 W. Cumberland St., an area where approximately 42% of residents earn less than $25,000 annually, according to PolicyMap data.

The development will consist of three buildings, featuring two one-bedroom units, 23 two-bedroom units, and 15 three-bedroom units. Notably, 10 homes will be specifically reserved for individuals with physical disabilities. To ensure affordability, tenants will benefit from project-based rental subsidies linked to their income. WCRP anticipates the construction will be completed by early 2028, with development consultant Stone Sherick estimating the total cost at $23.5 million.

Addressing Housing Needs in Fairhill

Lorissa Luciani, executive director of WCRP, emphasized the urgency of this project, stating, “Fairhill is a neighborhood on the precipice of intense gentrification with low incomes and old housing stock affecting livability and affordability for families.” She noted that without intentional efforts to create affordable housing, many families could be forced to relocate due to rising costs.

The new development will be named the Nayda Cintron Apartments, honoring a prominent community leader and founder of Xiente, previously known as the Norris Square Community Alliance. This organization has been instrumental in improving economic mobility through affordable housing, education, and employment opportunities in struggling neighborhoods since 1982. The site selected for this project is strategically located near essential amenities, such as a library and several recreation centers, making it beneficial for future residents.

Among residents earning less than $50,000 per year in the Fairhill neighborhood, a staggering 94% spend over one-third of their income on housing costs, which is significantly higher than the average for Philadelphia residents in the same income bracket. In addition to housing, tenants in the new units will receive supportive services addressing healthcare, food security, clothing, and utilities.

Broader Impact and Future Prospects

The Nayda Cintron Apartments will mark WCRP’s 18th affordable housing project in Philadelphia, contributing to the organization’s track record of developing 369 housing units and planning an additional 105 units currently under construction. Previous developments have taken place in neighborhoods including Kensington, Port Richmond, Grays Ferry, Germantown, and Point Breeze.

This initiative aligns with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s broader Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) initiative, which aims to create or preserve 30,000 units of affordable housing over the next four years, including 13,500 new units. Housing advocates and various City Council members are urging that the initial year of HOME funding prioritize the needs of Philadelphia’s most economically vulnerable residents before expanding to those earning above the federal poverty line, projected to be around $32,150 for a family of four in the upcoming year.

The city is expected to finalize the budget for the first year of the HOME program by the end of this year, which will further solidify its commitment to addressing the pressing housing needs of its residents. As Philadelphia continues to grapple with issues of affordability and accessibility in housing, projects like the Nayda Cintron Apartments represent important steps towards fostering equitable living conditions for all.