City, PHDC, Riverwards Group and Partners Celebrate Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting For 15 New Affordable Homes
Turn the Key is providing opportunities to first-time homebuyers facing tight housing market

WHO: PHDC and the City of Philadelphia join City Officials, Riverwards Group and community partners celebrate a ribbon-cutting for 15 new affordable homes in Port Richmond. To date, through the Turn The Key initiative, PHDC and the City have approved construction of over 700 homes on vacant publicly owned land. Over 200 are currently under construction and nearly 50 are under agreement or sold. Each project is moving the city closer to the goal of building 1,000 new Turn The Key homes.  

These new homes will cost no more than $280,000 and are available for purchase by qualified first-time homebuyers who apply to Turn the Key initiative. City of Philadelphia employees get first preference.

Invited Speakers: 

Councilmember Mark Squilla, First District
Council President Darrell Clarke, Fifth Distict
Mo Rushdy, Owner & Founder, Riverwards Group
Lawrence McKnight, Co-Owner & Founder, Riverwards Group
Christopher Annas, CEO, Meridian Ban
Pam Russakoff, Mortgage Consultant, Prosperity Mortgage
David Thomas, President and CEO of PHDC
Angel Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Land Bank and Senior Vice President of Land Services for PHDC 

WHEN:  Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: 2229 East Williams Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134
WHAT: Turn The Key puts vacant publicly owned land back into productive use while increasing the limited supply of affordable homes available for purchase in the city.  Income requirements for homebuyers can be found on the Turn The Key webpage. To increase affordability, 20-year notes placed on Turn the Key properties are forgivable and mortgage buydown assistance funds are available. Turn the Key participants can also apply for Philly First Home grants of up to $10,000 for down payment and closing costs.

DETAILS: This event will be open to the public and the press.

City, PHDC, Developer and Community Partners Break Ground To Build 22 New Condominiums and Single-Family Homes In Haddington, to be known as Pastor Allen Homes

Celebration highlighted Turn The Key’s diverse affordable homeownership options and provides more housing stock in limit market

Groundbreaking for Pastor Allen Homes, 22 new condominiums/homes in Haddington. From left: Brennan Tomasetti,, Vanessa L. Owens, Darrell L. Clarke, Henrietta Lemmon Barnes Allen, wife of the late Pastor James S. Allen,  Curtis Jones, David Thomas, Angel Rodriguez, and Michael Tomasetti

Philadelphia December 4, 2023
Contact: jamila.davis@phila.gov

WHO: PHDC and the City of Philadelphia join City Officials, developers and community partners broke ground on 36 new Turn The Key  condominiums and single-family homes. Condominiums are an even more affordable homeownership opportunity for Philadelphians. Prices for the condominiums and the single-family homes will not exceed $250,000. Units are 2-3 bedrooms and 1.5-2 baths. Turn the Key helps put vacant publicly owned land back into productive use, while also increases the limited housing stock in the city by providing additional options for purchase.

City of Philadelphia employees get first preference.

Speakers:

City Councilmember Curtis Jones, 4^th District
City Council President Darrell L. Clarke, 5^th District
Pastor Ralph E. Blanks, Vine Memorial Baptist Church
Vanessa L. Owens, Community Mortgage Sales Manager, TD Bank
Brennan Tomasetti, Co-Founder, Civetta Property Group
David Thomas, President and CEO of PHDC
Angel Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Land Bank and Senior Vice President of Land Services for PHDC

WHEN:  Monday, December 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: 534-40 North 54th St., Philadelphia, PA 19139

WHAT: Income requirements to purchase the homes can be found on the Turn the Key webpage. To increase affordability, 20-year notes placed on Turn the Key properties are forgivable and mortgage buydown assistance funds are available. Turn the Key participants can also apply for Philly First Home grants of up to $10,000 for down payment and closing costs.  

DETAILS: This event will be open to the public and the press.

For more information on Turn the Key, please visit: Turn The Key – MAKING PHILADELPHIA BETTER BLOCK BY BLOCK (phdcphila.org)

City of Philadelphia and Community Ventures Break Ground to Create New 30+ Units of Supportive Housing
Groundbreaking at Old First House for Housing for the Chronically Homeless at 4th and Race Streets

Public and Private Partnership Creates Additional Housing for Chronically Homeless in Converted Church in Old City

Contact: Jamila Davis, PIO for the City’s Department of Planning and Community Development, jamila.davis@phila.gov,
Troy Hannigan, Director of Development, thannigan@community-ventures.org

PHILADELPHIA, PA-NOVEMBER 20, 2023-The City of Philadelphia and Community Ventures celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking of Old First House. This affordable housing mixed-use development will create 34 permanent supportive housing units for the chronically homeless.

Old First House will redevelop an underutilized portion of Old First Reformed UCC’s property along the 100 block of N. 4^th Street.  The Old First House building will include 2,656 square feet of ground floor commercial space at the corner of 4th & Race and new ground floor offices and multipurpose room for the Church. The second through fifth floors will include 34 small efficiency units ranging in size from 277 SF to 353 SF and a residential community room.

To accommodate the new building,  there will be a relocation of a circa 1760 three-story building known as 151 N. 4th Street later in the week. The link to livestream the move will be provided at the groundbreaking. The building will be moved approximately 48 feet to the south on the project site and be fully renovated and restored. The 1760s building has been used by Old First Reformed UCC since the 1970s as their parsonage and later their church office space. After the relocation, the building will remain as a portion of their office space. The building is being moved by Wolfe House & Building Movers.

“On behalf of Mayor Jim Kenney, the Division of Housing and Community Development and our great partners at PHDC and the Office of Homeless Services, the City is so very excited for this project,” said Melissa Long, Director of the City’s Division of Housing and Community Development. “DHCD gave over $3.7 million to this project.  This is because the City is committed to strategies to help create safe and permanent housing options. The affordable housing crisis is real, and much more funding is needed. But with the local, state and federal funding we do receive, we are able to fund projects like this and others that give Philadelphians the chance to have a home or keep their home-which is life-changing. I am grateful to be a part of this work for our city.”

“Our City desperately needs affordable living options for our unhoused population,” said Councilmember Mark Squilla, District 1. “I am pleased to have this development in the Council district I represent and am grateful to Old First Reformed UCC and the other partners on this project for bringing it to fruition.”

Since the 1980s, when then-Philadelphia Mayor Wilson Goode called on congregations to open their doors to the homeless population, Old First Reformed UCC has sheltered 30-45 homeless men in their social hall, located on the first floor of the church, during the six coldest months out of every year. This project will be an extension—and an improvement—of Old First Reformed UCC’s long-term efforts to shelter the homeless.  This project will move Philadelphia closer to its ultimate goal of welcoming all of its citizens off the street and into safe and affordable housing.

“For an historic church, it’s a great new beginning. We’ve been sheltering homeless men each winter since 1986. It’s about time we break ground on providing permanent housing..” said Pastor Michael Caine, “We’re grateful and excited to be working with our partners to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.”

“We are at this point because Old First UCC invited Community Ventures here some 7 years ago and asked us what we would propose to build on this site. We suggested that the plan be supportive housing as an extension of the work the church had been doing for over 30 years,” said David La Fontaine, Executive Director of Community Ventures, “This project has been made possible not just with the generosity of the Old First congregation but also with the very strong support from several other organizations, both public and private.”

The project has received funding commitments from the City of Philadelphia’s Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Low Income Housing Tax Credits and additional funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, and operating subsidy from the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA). Old First House will also include a construction loan from TD Bank, equity investment from the National Equity Fund, and a permanent loan from Community Lenders.

ABOUT COMMUNITY VENTURES
Community Ventures is a non-profit affordable housing developer, founded in 1987 to work in partnership with neighborhood-based organizations with the goal of improving communities and increasing the supply of affordable housing. Community Ventures has developed over 470 units of affordable housing including rental, homeownership, and permanent supportive housing throughout Philadelphia and currently manages over 280 units of affordable housing. Community Ventures is the developer and property manager for Old First House. www.community-ventures.org

ABOUT OLD FIRST REFORMED UCC
An historical church, founded in 1727, Old First is Philadelphia’s fourth oldest congregation and one of the “mother-churches” of the United Church of Christ. It is also a lively, progressive congregation with a variety of ministries to our current day and time. For 36 years, among its ministries to homeless and economically disadvantaged neighbors, it has hosted a Winter Men’s Homeless Shelter. The church is excited by the next step forward, replacing the Shelter with permanent, supportive housing and welcoming new neighbors to Old City. www.oldfirstucc.org

ABOUT DEPAUL USA
Depaul USA is a national homeless services organization, currently working in eight cities across the United States and affiliated with Depaul International Group. Depaul USA operates 20 different programs providing services ranging from permanent and transitional supportive housing to jobs programs and health clinics. They assist homeless men and women to realize their potential through an array of supportive services, with the goal of giving people the tools they need to permanently exit homelessness. Depaul USA will be the supportive services provider and on-site property manager for Old First House. www.depaulusa.org

ABOUT DIVISION OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (DHCD)
The Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is the City of Philadelphia’s housing policy agency. DHCD is responsible for the funding and support of housing and community development programs that benefit low- and moderate-income residents and revitalize the City’s neighborhoods. This is accomplished through effective and innovative policy development and implementation.

DHCD administers the City’s housing budget, which is funded from a variety of public and private sources, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is the primary source of revenue from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is used to fund and support housing and community development activities. Each fiscal year DHCD prepares the Consolidated Plan, which delineates how the grant and other funds will be used.

ABOUT PHDC
PHDC is the City of Philadelphia’s full-service community development organization. For over 50 years, PHDC creates and provides services and programs that makes Philadelphia a great place to live. PHDC helps residents, community groups, businesses and developers repurpose vacant land. PHDC also facilities the repair of homes and finances affordable housing projects. Supported by dedicated staff, PHDC works in every neighborhood in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Land Bank and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority is staffed by PHDC, and PHDC works closely with the City’s Department of Planning and Development. Visit https://phdcphila.org/ to learn more.

PHDC & the City Provide 26 Affordable Units for Homeownership Through the Turn The Key Ribbon Cutting

Turn The Key ribbon cutting for houses on the 3200 block of Wharton Street. From left: Angel Rodriguez, Bernard Tynes, David Thomas, new Turn The Key homeowner Shonda Young, Kenyatta Johnson, President Darrell L. Clarke, Brennan Tomasetti, and Michael Tomasetti

Creating More Affordable Homeownership Opportunities for Middle Income Philadelphians  

Posted November 17, 2023
Contact: jamila.davis@phila.gov 

PHILADELPHIA — November 17, 2023 —Today PHDC and the City of Philadelphia celebrate Turn The Key’s expansion across the city with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.  Turn the Key is a public-private partnership funded through the City’s Neighborhood Preservation Initiative to help up to 1,000 Philadelphia families become first-time homebuyers. City of Philadelphia employees get first preference. 

  “The Turn the Key Program is working,” said David Thomas, President & CEO, PHDC. “If you are a middle-income, working-class Philadelphian and you want to buy a home, this current market can be challenging. The housing stock is limited, and many of the homes that have been renovated or newly built are out of the average resident’s price range. This program gives an opportunity for working individuals and families, many who serve the City of Philadelphia, the option to buy a brand new home while paying lower than what they may be currently be paying in rent! This program is a win-win for everyone-the city and the residents.” 

  This Turn the Key development on Wharton Street creates 26 units with prices range from $230-250K. All the homes are three-bedrooms, two full baths, and 17 of the 26 include basements.

“I am happy to see the completion of the first 26 homes to be built under ‘Turn the Key’ and they have been built in Grays Ferry in the Second District,” said City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (Second District) “These are the first of 1,000 affordable homes to be built across Philadelphia over the next several years. Philadelphia has experienced a development boom in recent years, and it is important to make sure that we make housing available for citizens of Philadelphia – regardless of their checkbook or pocketbook. I thank Council President Clarke and my colleagues for passing legislation to make this affordable home ownership program a reality. I am looking forward to the progress of the Turn the Key program in the future.”

“We’re proud to stand here at another Turn the Key Affordable Home Ownership closing today in South Philadelphia,” said Council President Darrell L. Clarke, the architect along with all of Council of the $400 Million Neighborhood Preservation Initiative, which includes Turn the Key funding. “We’re not wavering in our goal – 1,000 new affordable homes for deserving and qualifying Philadelphians.”

Turn the Key home prices will not exceed $280,000. Most homes will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. To increase affordability, 20-year notes placed on Turn the Key properties are forgivable and mortgage buydown assistance funds are available. Turn the Key participants can also apply for Philly First Home grants of up to $10,000 for down payment and closing costs.  The homes are being built on city-owned land in Brewerytown, Grays Ferry, Ludlow, East Kensington, Port Richmond, Sharswood/ Blumberg, Wharton, South Philadelphia, and West Poplar by private developers selected through an RFP process. 

“As real estate developers, our company is incredibly proud to partner with the city of Philadelphia to deliver high-quality, new construction homes to hard-working citizens, at an affordable price,” said Brennan Tomasetti, Owner, Civetta Property Group. “As Philadelphians, my husband and I are proud to know our city is committed to implementing innovative solutions, focused on resolving the affordable crisis our city – and the majority of cities, across the country – are facing.”  

“Community banks play a critical role in forging a path to fair and equitable housing for as many people as possible. In close collaboration with nonprofits, local governments, and dedicated developers, financial institutions like Penn Community Bank can serve as catalysts of change,” said Bernard Tynes, Penn Community Bank Chief Marketing and Impact Officer. “We are committed to making this dream of homeownership a reality for families throughout the region, including here in Philadelphia, because we know that accessible housing is the key to thriving and sustainable communities. Together, we’re helping families create generational wealth with homeownership, one mortgage at a time.”

Interested first-time homebuyers must be income eligible, submit an interest form and complete housing counseling.  

For more information on Turn the Key, please visit: Turn The Key – MAKING PHILADELPHIA BETTER BLOCK BY BLOCK (phdcphila.org). 

2023 PHDC Housing Fair Presented by Temple University and NBC10 Providing Resources, Programs and Services for Homeowners and Renters

October 21, 2023 – PHILADELPHIA – Today full-service community development nonprofit PHDC teamed with the City of Philadelphia to host the 2023 PHDC Housing Fair. The family-friendly fair took place at Temple University Aramark Student Training and Recreation (STAR) Complex, 1816 N 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19121, from 10a-3p.  This is PHDC’s first Housing Fair as was presented by Temple University and NBC10, was designed to address all aspects of housing. The fair had over 60 exhibitors, and over 3,000 persons pre-registered to attend.

“This is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said David Thomas, CEO & President of PHDC. “As the City’s community development agency, we wanted to host an event that gave our residents the opportunity to learn about all the housing resources available in the city.  Homeownership is a path to help individuals and families create generational wealth, and we are doing our part to give more Philadelphians the resources and information to make that happen. If persons are at a rental stage, a landlord or already a homeowner-we have programs and services for them too! We have said this event is “ALL THINGS HOUSING!”, and it definitely is. Thank you to Temple University, NBC 10, our additional sponsors, our exhibitors and everyone who came today to make our first event a huge success!”

The fair provided resources for current homeowners, potential first-time home buyers, renters, landlords and developers interested in learning more about finding, paying for, maintaining, and producing housing.

“Temple University is proud to join hands with PHDC, the City of Philadelphia, and NBC 10 in hosting the 2023 PHDC Housing Fair at our Aramark Student Training and Recreation (STAR) Complex,” said Shirley Moy, executive director of Temple’s Lenfest Center for Community Workforce Partnerships. “This event stands as a testament to our collective commitment to equipping residents with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate the intricate landscape of housing. As an institution deeply rooted in the heart of Philadelphia, we understand the profound impact that homeownership and quality housing have on building generational wealth and strengthening our vibrant communities. ‘ALL THINGS HOUSING!’ is more than just a slogan—it’s a promise to empower individuals and families at every stage of their housing journey. Together, we’re creating a brighter and more inclusive future for all Philadelphians.”

Attendees were able to meet housing counselors from City-funded agencies, mortgage lenders, realtors, insurance agents, representatives from relevant  City of Philadelphia departments, local legal organizations, and other professionals in the housing industry.

“An event like the PHDC Housing Fair it is a can’t-miss opportunity for lenders and consumers alike,” said Justin Messer, President and CEO of Prosperity Home Mortgage. “The Housing Fair is a great opportunity not only for Prosperity to advance our mission of making affordable homeownership more accessible to all the members of our community, but also for our team members to educate potential borrowers about the mortgage process, provide resources on financial assistance programs that may be available, and encourage financial literacy.  Prosperity is excited and honored to participate in this year’s event.”

“In today’s challenging environment for housing and home ownership, it’s very important to be aware of all of the resources available to help,” said Kathy Cummings SVP; Home Loans Fair Lending/CRA Strategy and Strategic Relationships Executive for Bank of America. “At Bank of America, we offer educational tools through experts in our financial centers and on our Better Money Habits site, where we can help people understand the basics of renting vs. buying, saving for and purchasing a home. We also offer access to one of the best homebuyer grant programs in the industry which can provide significant savings to those investing in their first home.”

Landlords learned about PHDC’s new Rental Improvement Fund program to assist small landlords (owners of five or fewer rental properties with 15 or fewer units) with funding for repairs to make their rental properties safe and keep them affordable.

“TD Bank is deeply committed to identifying meaningful and sustainable ways to accelerate housing affordability and stability, which is why we are proud to work alongside PHDC,” said Michael Innis-Thompson, Head of Community Lending & Development and Fair Lending Center of Excellence for TD Bank. “Today focused on continuing efforts to ensure a more inclusive financial future for Philadelphia families and educating them about the paths to homeownership. We had the opportunity to connect with aspiring homeowners about the potential barriers that so often slow the rate of homeownership in our communities and empowered them with viable solutions that can make the homebuying process more equitable and attainable.”

“Independence is proud to support this event and applauds the work the PHDC is doing,” said Kortney Cruz,SVP, Government Markets of Independence Blue Cross Blue Shield. “There are a lot of things that contribute to a community’s health that go far beyond the doctor’s office. Having access to adequate housing is at the top of the list, along with transportation, healthy food, and employment opportunities. Addressing these underlying social and environmental factors head on is important to us. We believe it will help ensure that there are better and more livable communities for our aging adult population and beyond.”

The fair included:

• Interactive KID ZONE featuring games, Make and Take Crafts, and other activities (Sponsored by Civetta Property Group and Fulton Mortgage Company)
• Games and Great Prizes throughout the day
• Independence Blue Cross FREE Chair Massages
• The Chill Zone sponsored by PhillyWorkForceHomes.com
• Free PHDC tote bags upon entry

Event Sponsors include Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, Bank of America, TD Bank, and Independence Blue Cross. Additional sponsors include Truist, Civetta Property Group, Frankel Enterprises, and Fulton Mortgage Company.

For more information and pictures (will be posted within 24-48 hours), please visit: https://phdcphila.org/housingfair/

PHDC, City of Philadelphia, & Jevs’ Orleans Technical College Hosted 3rd Building Trades & Construction Hiring Fair

>Contractors, Developers, and Businesses across the City sought persons skilled in the trades

September 21, 2023
Philadelphia – Yesterday the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC), The City of Philadelphia, and Orleans Technical College (Orleans Tech), a program of JEVS Human Services, hosted a Building Trades and Construction Hiring Fair.

More than 100 employers participated. This is the third Hiring Fair hosted by PHDC & Orleans Tech. The first was held in 2019.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, the top 25% in most construction trades professions earn at least $60,000 annually. People do not need to follow the traditional college path to get there.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics outlines the average salaries of persons in the trades, and many fields are pathways to career longevity, entrepreneurship, and building generational wealth.

“This is the third time PHDC and JEVS Orleans Tech have partnered to host this hiring fair for building trades and construction professionals,” said David Thomas, President and CEO of PHDC. “For over 50 years PHDC has helped Philadelphians preserve and maintain their homes, as well as help build affordable housing. The goal of this event is to match qualified Orleans students as well as other trades professionals with the building and construction industry. Many companies are looking to increase their capacity with skilled talent, and this event is the connection for that to happen. By doing this we can help more Philadelphians get not only a skill, but a career, and help increase these businesses’ bottom line – it’s a win-win for everyone.”

“JEVS Human Services is honored to come together with PHDC and the City once again to host the hiring fair,” said Cynthia F. Figueroa, President and CEO of JEVS Human Services. “We are excited to bring together employers and job seekers and create opportunities that lead to their future success. Our Orleans Technical College, where we held this event, provides career and technical education focused on employer-responsive programs in the skilled and construction trades sector. We measure our success and impact by matching well-trained graduates with employers committed to offering sustainable employment and growth opportunities.”

About PHDC
PHDC is Philadelphia’s full-service community development organization. From home repair to financing affordable housing, PHDC preserves and develops housing. PHDC also helps residents, community groups, businesses, and developers repurpose vacant land. Each initiative supports amenities that make Philadelphia neighborhoods great places to live. For more information on PHDC’s programs, please visit: https://phdcphila.org.

About Orleans Technical College
JEVS’ non-profit career training school, Orleans Technical College, prepares adults for new futures. Since 1974, Orleans Tech has helped students move toward one common goal: learning new skills to enhance their success in the workforce. Ranging from healthcare to building trades, Orleans Tech offers a variety of six-month job training programs. Graduates are prepared for employment through hands-on learning and real-world experience. For more information, please visit www.jevs.org and www.orleanstech.edu.

PHDC Celebrates First Turn The Key Closing, Settlement & Move-In With Ribbon Cutting

 Turn the Key initiative is building brand new affordable homes on City-owned land;City Employees get first preference 

PHILADELPHIA — September 7, 2023 —Today PHDC and the City of Philadelphia celebrate Turn The Key’s first closing, settlement and move-in with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.  

Turn the Key is a public-private partnership funded through the City’s Neighborhood Preservation Initiative to help up to 1,000 Philadelphia families become first-time homebuyers. City of Philadelphia employees get first preference. 

 “Turn the Key works!” said City Employee who hosted the ribbon-cutting in front of their brand new home. “I heard about Turn the Key on the job. Applying was straightforward. I went through housing counseling, got a mortgage, and now have a new home. I am still surprised how quickly this all came together. I hope other city employees take advantage of this opportunity.” 

 “Living in Philadelphia is a requirement for City employees. City Council, the Mayor and PHDC want to give them a fair shot in obtaining quality housing and building assets,” said David Thomas, President & CEO, PHDC. “Turn the Key gives City employees and other Philadelphians a chance to buy a new home in areas that might otherwise be out of reach in the rapidly changing real estate market.” 

 “We’re proud to be here today to celebrate and welcome the first homeowner under the city’s Turn The Key Affordable Homeownership Initiative,” said City Council President Darrell L. Clarke, whose office conceived the Turn the Key program under the larger umbrella of the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative, a $400 Million neighborhood revitalization and preservation program approved by City Council and the Kenney administration. “As excited as we are for today, we have miles to go – and hundreds and hundreds of affordable homes to build and sell to deserving city residents and city workers – before we sleep. We’re going to keep building and marketing and selling these affordable homes all over Philadelphia. This is a good day.”

 Home prices will not exceed $280,000. Most homes will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. To increase affordability, 20-year notes placed on Turn the Key properties are forgivable and mortgage buydown assistance funds are available. Turn the Key participants can also apply for Philly First Home grants of up to $10,000 for down payment and closing costs.  

“As we face increasing housing prices in Philadelphia, we need programs like Turn the Key to offer affordable home ownership to strengthen neighborhood,” said Councilmember Mark Squilla, 1^st District. “I am pleased that residents who work for the City will have an opportunity to buy their first home through this great program.  When you live and work in the City, you are motivated to become involved in the community and improve the quality of life for all.”

The homes are being built on city-owned land in Brewerytown, Grays Ferry, Ludlow, East Kensington, Port Richmond, Sharswood/ Blumberg, Wharton, South Philadelphia, and West Poplar by private developers selected through an RFP process. 

 “On behalf of myself and my partners Joseph Byrne and Danny Govberg, we are honored to be selected as developers to participate in such a great program with City of Philadelphia and PHDC to develop a great product throughout Philadelphia and selling them through the “Turn the Key” Initiative,” said Justin Veasey, Co-Founder, BVG Property Group. “The City of Philadelphia, PHDC and the Philadelphia Land Bank have done a great job assembling a strong team as well as selecting some of the best developers in the City to execute this vision. We believe this is going to be a great opportunity for so many first-time homebuyers in the city and hope to stay involved with it over the next few years!”

“As Philadelphians, Mike and I are incredibly proud to play a part in bringing more affordable housing options for the city’s workforce,”  Brennan Tomasetti, Co-Founder, Civetta Property Group. “It is an honor to make an impact in the city we love. The lack of affordable housing is a nationwide issue, and  we are pleased to see the City of Philadelphia take initiative, with a problem-solving mindset.”

Interested first-time homebuyers must be income eligible, submit an interest form and complete housing counseling.  

For more information on Turn the Key, please visit: Turn The Key – MAKING PHILADELPHIA BETTER BLOCK BY BLOCK (phdcphila.org). 

PHDC Celebrates The Launch Of The Rental Improvement Fund

PHDC’s Rental Improvement Fund provides forgivable and 0% loans to help small landlords pay for repairs to maintain affordable rental units

August 23, 2023

PHILADELPHIA  — PHDC announces the Rental Improvement Fund (RIF). This program offers eligible landlords citywide forgivable and 0% interest loans to cover the cost of much needed repairs and maintenance in exchange for rent stability.

PHDC recruited landlords who had previously worked with other PHDC programs and services to participate in a small RIF pilot. After months of testing the loan products with this initial group of landlords, PHDC is ready to launch RIF to small landlords across Philadelphia.

“With the help of the Rental Improvement Fund, landlords across the city will finally be able to give their buildings the necessary updates needed to assure a comfortable living space for residents,” said David Thomas, CEO of PHDC.

RIF loans can be used for repairs and upgrades such as roofs, windows and doors; asbestos, mold and lead remediation; and electrical, plumbing and heating/cooling improvements.

RIF is partially funded by the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative and Whole Home Repair Fund.

“Thanks to the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative and Whole Home Repair funding, this program will help many landlords across the city provide affordable and safe units to rent,” said Mayor Jim Kenney.

“This funding will improve rental units around Philadelphia without passing that cost to renters,” said State Senator Vincent Hughes. “We need to make sure rentals in Philadelphia are safe and in good condition, but also affordable. Tenants should not be expected to pay a premium to have a nice, well maintained place to live. With Whole Home Repair funds that Democrats fought hard for in Harrisburg, this program will enable landlords to provide comfortable spaces for renters to live while keeping the cost of rent stable.”

RIFoffers two types of loans, 10-year forgivable loans up to $24,999 and 15-year 0% interest loans up to $50,000. To qualify landlords must:

• Own no more than five rental properties and no more than 15 rental units
• Have a rental license and property insurance, unless the loan will be used to address repair issues that currently prevent the property from getting a license and/or insurance
• Be current or in a payment agreement for city taxes and able to produce a tax compliance certificate

“Everyone deserves to live in a home that is safe, healthy, and affordable, regardless of whether that home is owned or rented,” said State Senator Nikil Saval. “When our small landlords are forced to sell their properties or to forgo repairs, the loss of this housing is experienced across the city, and the repercussions are irreversible. When we create the means to shore up our small landlords, properties are preserved, communities are stabilized, and residents can stay in their homes. I’m incredibly proud for dollars from the Whole-Home Repairs fund to support this important initiative.”

“Through the Rental Improvement Fund, we are pushing back against the affordable housing crisis by keeping our existing stock online,” Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3^rd District) said. “As construction costs continue to soar, I am proud to invest in community-minded landlords that provide working class and low-income residents with the high quality, safe, and stable housing they need to thrive and survive.”

Any L&I violations issued during the loan term must be corrected within six months and landlords must maintain a valid rental license and property insurance. Landlords qualify for loan forgiveness or the preferable 0% interest rate by capping annual rent increases at no more than 3% during the loan term.

“The Rental Improvement Fund has helped me so much”, said a participating Philadelphia Landlord. “It feels good to provide a newly renovated, safe and comfortable home that my tenants can afford and enjoy without putting me in overwhelming debt.”

For more information, please visit phdcphila.org/residents-and-landlords/ landlords/rental-improvement-fund/

The City of Philadelphia, Impact Services and Community Leaders Celebrate Ribbon-Cutting for the Mill Redevelopment Project

July 20, 2023

Contact: Jamila Davis, PIO for PHDC & DPD, 215-686-9727, jamila.davis@phila.gov or
Paul Marcus, Real Estate for Impact Services, pmarcus@impactservices.org, 267-209-0450

PHILADELPHIA , PA – Today City officials, Impact Services, Government Officials and Community leaders celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the Mill Redevelopment Project at A & Indiana. This project is providing 48 rental units of affordable housing, office space for nonprofits including Impact Services and additional commercial space.

Impact Services has been working for more than 40 years in collaboration with Philadelphia residents to build economic opportunity and community stability. In 2017, with support of the Regional Foundation, Impact Services undertook a community planning process and engaged more than 300 residents to prioritize and guide the investment of Impact Services. The redevelopment of this site was a priority in the plan to support the stabilization of the Hope Park focus zone. This building reactivation has been coupled with renovation of homes, beautification of vacant lots, regular street cleaning, and most importantly this work has been led by a group of longtme residents.

All of the work was made possible through partnerships with neighbors, local elected officials, mission aligned service organizations such as HACE, NKCDC, and Rebuilding Philadelphia Together as well as funders listed below.

“This building is an essential part of a comprehensive plan to bring safety and stability to Kensington for the residents that are living here today,” said Casey O’Donnell, Impact Services President. Just as important as the restoration and repurposing of this factory is the collaborative work in these surrounding blocks led by neighbors who have been here for years.”

Following its closure in 2009 as a paper archiving warehouse Impact Services has worked to steward the site until redevelopment was feasible. It was originally constructed as a carpet mill in 1896 and represents the history of Kensington which was once thriving with manufacturing and thousands of workers lived within walking distance of mills such as the one at A & Indiana. Impact Services has created a vision of a multi-use community site where the affordable housing and 10,000sf of office and community space is the newest phase.

“Projects like this are important to the stabilization of neighborhoods in the City of Philadelphia,” said Melissa Long, Director of the Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). “Affordable Housing and community development is what DHCD, and the city’s community development partner PHDC, do every day. DHCD is proud to work with Impact Services and provide funding to make this project a reality.”

With the opening of the affordable housing, 48 families will have a decent, safe affordable place to live. Many of the prospective residents will be relocating from within the community where their housing situation is not stable and rents are rising. Many of the units are supported by rental assistance and rental rates for the units are 20-30% below the area market rents in Kensington. The completion of this project is a critical step that will enable Impact to move forward in the development of 60,000 sf of community serving office space and the redevelopment of a 10,000 sf property into a youth facility in partnership with a local nonprofit.

“Our job is to find the resources to actualize the vision of neighbors,” said O’Donnell. We are grateful to have the partnerships that make progress possible. We would not be standing here today were it not for residents, elected officials, government agencies, funders, and other stakeholders who share in our mission.”

Funding Partners: The City’s Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), PHDC, Neubauer Family Foundation, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia Housing Authority, Citizens Bank, Alliant Capital, A Walker & Dunlop Company, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), Nonprofit Finance Fund, PIDC, Sea Change, Partners for the Common Good, Local Initiatives Support Corp (LISC), Reinvestment Fund, Community First Fund, Corporation for Supportive Housing.

Project Professional Partners: Clemens Construction, Barton Partners, Rodriguez Consulting, Turner Law Legal, Becker & Frondorf, Community Realty Management, Delta Development, Marcus Reinvestment Strategies

To learn more about Impact Services, please visit: hIps://www.impactservices.org/

City of Philadelphia and PHDC Announce Phase 2 of Successful Pilot Program for Minority Developers

May 26, 2023
Contact: Jamila Davis, PIO, Department of Planning and Development & PHDC,  jamila.davis@phila.gov

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The City of Philadelphia and PHDC announce Phase 2 of the pilot program that assists in addressing the lack of diversity in the Philadelphia real estate development and construction industry, PHDC’s Minority Developer Program (MDP).

“We are proud of the success of the Minority Development Program in Phase 1 and look forward to continuing to provide more opportunities for small and mid-size developers to create jobs and expand their portfolio of developments,” said Mayor Jim Kenney.

MDP is a hands-on, business assistance program for small developers and contractors in Philadelphia. The program promotes wealth creation and business growth among minority developers. The applications process for Phase 1 began in August of 2021.

“Phase 1 of MDP was a success,” said David Thomas, CEO, PHDC. “We have brainstormed ways to improve the program to make it even more robust for those that participate in Phase 2. Our goal is to increase the bottom line for minority developers and give them the tools they need to flourish in the marketplace.”

MDP’s goals include developers to gain experience, improve balance sheets, and create mentorship opportunities with larger scale developers. Participants are able to enhance their marketing, budgeting and cost analysis skills.

Almost 70 developers applied to Phase 1 of the MDP. The developers represented varying levels of capacity from just starting out to established small to mid-size companies. There were sixteen developers that were selected to participate.

In January of 2022, PHDC launched MDP. The program provided 18 hours of technical assistance for every developer selected. Because of the expertise gained in MDP, six MDP developers were awarded proposals, helping create 151 new units of affordable or mixed-income housing.

“Getting city-owned land back into productive use while helping minority developers learn how to better navigate development within the city is rewarding,” said Angel Rodriquez, Senior Vice President of Land Services, PHDC/Executive Director, Philadelphia Land Bank. “We saw successful projects in 2022 that included MDP developers, and I am looking forward to even more in 2023 and 2024.”

“As a participant in the Minority Developers Program, I am excited to use and share all the new tools I’ve learned from the program and my mentor-The Riverward Group (RWG),” said Dawud Bey, Owner and Chairman of Fine Print Construction (FPC). “MDP helps developers gain tools and strategies to successfully apply for publicly owned land. Combining that knowledge with access to the Philadelphia Accelerator Fund helps close the economic gap between people of color and bigger majority-owned development firms. This model has helped my firm and RWG purchase several lots from the city and get predevelopment funds. This is huge for someone like me (a returning citizen) who is using my business to not only change my life, but the lives of those in my family and community! Now FPC is excited to mentor and partner with new MDP participates so we can repeat history!”

“MDP is a great example of a true practical based program that will make a difference in scaling up black & brown developers by leveraging public land that the city owns,” said Mo Rushdy, Managing Partner of The Riverwards Group, Vice President of Philadelphia Building Industry Association and Board Chair of The Philadelphia Accelerator Fund. “My company has already formed two different partnerships with black developers to build over 120 mixed income single family homeownership units as part of PHDC’s Turn the Key Program. I am so excited for the prospects that the MDP will bring to the development community. MDP is a game changer.”

The RFQ for Round 2 of MDP is available until June 23, 2023, and must be completed and submitted in its entirety by that date. No applications will be accepted after this date. Participants will be selected early July 2023. If participants applied to Round 1 but were not selected, they need to apply again.

MDP RFQ can be found here: https://phdcphila.org/rfps-rfqs-sales/professional-services-rfps/ Developers can direct questions about the RFP to mdp@phdc.phila.gov through June 5, 2023.

Questions from the press and community can be emailed to jamila.davis@phila.gov.

Visit https://phdcphila.org/mdp/ for more information.

Eviction Diversion Program Now Includes Targeted Financial Assistance Component

Contact: Jamila Davis, PIO, Department of Planning and Development & PHDC, jamila.davis@phila.gov

PHILADELPHIA, PA-January 31, 2023-Today the City of Philadelphia and PHDC announced the creation of a Targeted Financial Assistance (TFA) component of the City’s successful Eviction Diversion Program. Eligible landlords and tenants participating in the Eviction Diversion Program may be selected to apply for a one-time payment from the City to a landlord to cover a tenant’s rent arrears.

The City of Philadelphia’s FREE Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) helps landlords and tenants resolve disputes and avoid going to court. EDP facilitates satisfactory and sustainable landlord-tenant agreements through mediation or supported direct negotiation. Per City Ordinance # 220655, EDP is required before a landlord can file an eviction in court. Landlords initiate the eviction diversion process after sending tenants the Notice of Diversion Rights (NOR).

City officials have allocated 30 million in funding to TFA. The benefits of participation in the Eviction Diversion Program are:

• Tenants avoid an eviction filing or judgment on their record that could prevent them from accessing quality housing in the future.
• Landlords save money by avoiding court fees and attorney expenses.
• The court reduces caseloads, putting less strain on the court system.
• Low-income renters and landlords are assisted with applications for rental assistance and other resources to stabilize their housing during the pandemic.
• Landlords recoup back rent owed while avoiding vacancies and unit turnover costs.

“The Eviction Diversion Program is a means for the City to help tenants and landlords resolve residential rental issues while avoiding a costly or drawn-out court process,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “With this new Targeted Financial Assistance component, people who fell behind on their rent have the opportunity to start over and keep their home.”

TFA may be awarded if a tenant and landlord are eligible and participate in the program in good faith. The award is equal to the total amount of arrears plus one-month’s rent. Eligibility is determined after an Eviction Diversion application is submitted. Good Faith Participation means that a tenant and landlord have both made reasonable efforts to complete the program.

Over 4000 landlord/tenant pairs have participated in previous iterations of the Eviction Diversion Program since 2020. Almost 75 percent of participants have reached an agreement that allowed the tenants to remain in their residences and avoid eviction.

Between May 2020 and January 2023, the City and PHDC disbursed nearly 300 million in federal, state, and local emergency COVID relief dollars to assist over 46,500 households. For most of this period, landlords and tenants applied directly to PHDC’s PHLRentAssist program to access these funds. PHLRentAssist closed to new applications on January 2022 and had disbursed all remaining funds as of January 2023.

For a landlord to meet the definition of good faith participation, the following conditions must be met:

• Provide evidence that the Notice of Diversion Rights was sent to tenant, updated ledger account of any balances owed, and any additional issues to address through mediation as required.
• Provide current and accurate contact information for tenant as part of the Eviction Diversion Program application.
• Respond timely to requests for communication from a tenant, a housing counselor, or City-funded agency representative to resolve application issues or reach an agreement.
• Attend mediation sessions as scheduled. A landlord may have an agent attend, but the landlord must be available by phone to participate if needed. The agent must have all necessary information and authority to resolve disputes and enter into agreements.
• During mediation, the landlord must make reasonable efforts to address all lease issues that could lead to eviction in addition to applying for rental assistance.
• If eligible for Targeted Financial Assistance, a landlord must apply for TFA within 5 days of EDP application approval. Landlords will be notified of eligibility and provided with instructions for the TFA application.

For a tenant to meet the definition of good faith participation, the following conditions must be met:

• Tenant must actively participate by attending mediation sessions as scheduled. If not, a tenant risks non-compliance and the legal process of eviction.
• Tenant must attempt to address all issues raised.
• Tenant must submit all requested materials for Targeted Financial Assistance within 5 days of request.

For more details about “good faith participation” and other aspects of the Eviction Diversion Program, see questions about the Eviction Diversion Program application and mediation process, contact Cora Good Shepherd Mediation at evictiondiversionprogram@coraservices.org or the Eviction Diversion Program Tenant Hotline at 215-523-9501.

For general questions about tenant’s rights, free legal advice and possible representation, tenants may call the Philly Tenant Hotline at 267-443-2500 or visit Phillytenant.org.

PHDC Announces Finalists of Group 2 Awardees For ARTisPHL – Philly Artists Connecting Communities

Contact: Jamila Davis, PIO, Department of Planning and Development & PHDC, jamila.davis@phila.gov

PHILADELPHIA, PA-January 24, 2023-Today PHDC and the James L. Knight Foundation are excited to announce the three local Philadelphia artists selected to receive funding to implement their community-based public art ideas through the ARTisPHL program.

Each of the three selected artists will receive an award of $30,000 to develop their project.

“Cobbs Creek Art Club” by Linda Fernandez

Cobbs Creek Art Club will be a monthly workshop for adults in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood. The monthly workshops will create an empowering space for community members to spend time exploring the natural environment and expressing themselves through art.

“The Communal Griddle” by Eugenio Salas

The Communal Griddle project represents the evolution of a fire-powered sculpture, originally designed, and made collaboratively with other Latinx immigrant laborers, to engage communities confronting food waste and insecurity across the city. This project creates an opportunity to activate the sculpture in diverse settings through a participatory re-design process. Through community engagement, performances, and documentation, the project will serve as a platform for community-building and storytelling.

“The Fourth Trimester” by Nikki Brake Silla

THE FOURTH TRIMESTER is a call to action, highlighting the lack of support Black women and birthing folx receive before, during and after pregnancy. Our intent with THE FOURTH TRIMESTER is to have ten participants in a six-week psychotherapeutic group, helmed by a licensed Social Worker, reproductive psychotherapist, and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, Jabina Coleman, that will combine group therapy with individually devised monologues, patterned after A.M.A. – AGAINST MEDICAL ADVICE.

“We are excited to announce the three selected ARTisPHL artists representing their communities,” said David Thomas, CEO of PHDC. “The ARTisPHL program opens the door for PHDC and the City of Philadelphia to further a long commitment to art through allowing artists to create new reflective avenues of expression. Congratulations to the finalists!”

To learn more about each of our awardees and hear them discuss the projects in their own words, please visit ArtIsPHL.com.

About ARTisPHL

ARTisPHL is a first of its kind, multi-round program designed to create high-quality, artist-driven and community-informed public art. Artists from across Philadelphia will reimagine how we engage with each other and our communities. This program, made possible with $150,000 of public funds and $150,000 from John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, supports local artists who are interested in expanding public art in Philadelphia. Full program details can be found at  ArtIsPHL.com.

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy.

About PHDC

PHDC is Philadelphia’s full-service community development organization. From home repair to financing affordable housing, PHDC preserves and develops housing. PHDC also helps residents, community groups, businesses and developers repurpose vacant land. Each initiative supports amenities that make Philadelphia neighborhoods great places to live.