LOOP
IN
THE
C O N T I N U E D
working smoke alarms. Newer models of
smoke alarms have long-lasting batteries that
do not need to be replaced, but thousands
of homeowners still have models that use
standard alkaline batteries that must be
replaced regularly. No matter what type
of smoke alarms are used in a home, they
should be tested monthly.
Most home fire deaths happen when
people are asleep, between 11 p.m. and 7
a.m. That’s why the U.S. Fire Administration
recommends the installation of smoke alarms
in every bedroom, outside each separate
sleeping area, and on every level of the home
including the basement.
Carbon monoxide is the leading cause
of accidental poisoning deaths in America,
according to the Journal of the American
Medical Association. Carbon monoxide can
accumulate to hazardous levels in a short
period of time, which is why it’s critical
that there are working carbon monoxide
detectors in your home. Just like with smoke
alarms, some models use batteries and must
be checked and replaced regularly.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY
RECEIVES $175,000
PHARE GRANT FOR
ACCESSIBILITY
PROGRAM
Allegheny County Economic
Development (ACED) has received a
$175,000 grant from the Pennsylvania
Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation
Enhancement (PHARE) fund. The fund is
administered by the Pennsylvania Housing
Finance Agency (PHFA). The grant will
allow ACED to provide accessibility
10 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Mt. Lebanon
modifications to residents of the county who
have permanent physical disabilities with
low to moderate incomes. Working with its
partner, ACTION-Housing, Inc., ACED
expects to be able to provide modifications
for 19 households.
The United Way of Allegheny County
recently commissioned a study by ACTIONHousing, Inc. and Regional Housing
Legal Services that helped define this gap.
According to data from the U.S. Housing and
Urban Development and PHFA, there are
twice as many Allegheny County residents
with a disability than housing units to serve
them. Every accessible modification will
preserve a unit of affordable housing, allow
the resident of that unit to stay in a housing
situation that is safe and comfortable, and
prevent any further stress on an already
inadequate supply of affordable housing.
“We are thankful to PHFA for providing
the $175,000 in PHARE funds that
will enable us to work with our partner
ACTION-Housing, Inc.,” said ACED
Director Bob Hurley. “Together, we can help
make homes for Allegheny County residents
with disabilities safe and sound.”
Applicants for the program will need to
have a clinically or medically documented
disability, and all modifications will either be
directly related to a) that disability, or b) a
health and safety barrier that would inhibit a
medically necessary modification. ACTIONHousing will work with the participants to
create a scope of work that will ensure the
project is completed consistent with their
physical needs. The organization will also
provide initial and final inspections, and
oversee construction.
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance
Agency made its announcement on Oct.
13, approving $6.2 million for 40 housing
projects to improve the availability and
affordability of housing in 29 counties. This
is the fifth year for the PHARE program,
which has invested more than $39 million
into Pennsylvania communities, in addition
to nearly $255 million of other leveraged
funding.
For more information, or to apply for
the program, contact Andrew Shull at
412.281.2102. ■