October 31, 2014

Manchin helps celebrate nearly $1.8 million in Affordable Housing grants | Clarksburg Exponent

FAIRMONT — Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) was the special guest speaker for a ceremony Thursday to present nearly $1.8 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grants to eight projects in West Virginia. The projects will benefit low-income, elderly and other special needs persons by providing quality affordable housing. The grants represent a total of 79 housing units and a total development investment of more than $4.4 million.
The grant funds were provided by Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) and its member financial institutions, in this case Huntington Federal Savings Bank, Pendleton Community Bank, United Bank and WesBanco Bank, through the AHP.

“These grants have helped scores of West Virginia citizens achieve the dream of affordable housing for themselves and their families,” said Senator Manchin. “FHLBank Pittsburgh, together with its members and housing partners, are providing a valuable service to our neighbors who need a little help to improve their lives and revitalize communities. It is rewarding to see this grassroots effort that uses no tax dollars and has such a powerful impact in our communities.”

Manchin was introduced by FHLBank Pittsburgh Board Chair Patrick A. Bond. Bond, who is Founding General Partner of Mountaineer Capital LP, thanked Senator Manchin for his outstanding support of this and other FHLBank programs and initiatives.

The event was hosted by one of the grant recipients, Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority, which received $146,917 for 10 units built in Fairmont. Other organizations recognized  included: Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity, White Sulphur Springs (five units, $250,000); Coalfield Development Corp., Huntington (20 units, $500,000); Fairmont Community Development Partnership, Fairmont (4 units, $55,553); Housing Development Corp., Huntington (20 units, $253,100); Mon County Habitat for Humanity, Morgantown (3 units, $36,000); Southern Appalachian Labor School, Kincaid (10 units, $81,200); and YWCA Wheeling (7 units, $467,283).

“This AHP grant funding provided by the FHLBank Pittsburgh has an immeasurable positive impact on our communities,” remarked John Martys, Executive Director, Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority. “We are so pleased to stand with our partner sponsors across the Mountaineer State to channel these funds to where they are making a real difference in people’s lives. These grants directly affect the revitalization of our neighborhoods, people’s health and safety, and the overall quality of life.”

Annually, FHLBank Pittsburgh allots approximately 10 percent of its net income to fund the AHP. The AHP supports projects that provide affordable housing to individuals and families whose incomes are defined as low- (51 to 80 percent of area median) or very-low (50 percent and below of area median).

Kristina K. Williams, Chief Operating Officer, FHLBank Pittsburgh, discussed the impact of AHP in her home state, noting, “In West Virginia alone, AHP grants have totaled $13 million for 98 projects creating over 1,500 housing units.” She also described how the Bank works with area lenders and community groups for job creation and community vitalization. “We are proud to partner with our member institutions and sponsoring organizations to fund these vital programs. It is rewarding to see that, together, we can make a difference in quality of life, jobs and a strong local economy.”

The event also included a testimonial by the Cuchea family who lives in the Jerome Park Place project in Morgantown. The family thanked the donors and the Mon County Habitat for Humanity, and shared the enormous positive effect the grant has made in their lives.