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North Side Residents Encouraged To Attend Meeting For Housing Opportunity Fund Programs

Katie Blackley
/
WESA
The sunset of Brighton Heights, a neighborhood on Pittsburgh’s North Side. ";

After two weeks of door-knocking in Pittsburgh's North Side, Pittsburgh United will hold a community meeting for residents to see if they are eligible for programs in the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Housing Opportunity Fund. 

The organization is helping residents see if they will qualify for two of the fund's programs: the Homeowner Assistance Program and the Housing Stabilization Program. 

The former provides up to $30,000 in financial assistance to eligible homeowners for improving their properties. Residents can apply for this program now. The stabailization effort will provide up to four months of financial assistance to renters who are struggling with housing expenses. The URA has not begun accepting applications for this program yet.
 
Celeste Scott, housing justice organizer with Pittsburgh United, said the organization is encouraging residents to take advantage of these programs if they qualify. 
 
"If you're paying more than 30 percent of your income for rent and utilities, then your housing is not affordable," she said. 

Residents will be able to talk with service providers about if they meet the requirements and get help in applying for the programs. 

This will be the second stop out of five for the organization. Other stops include the West End, Hazelwood and Homewood. Tuesday's meeting will start at 6 p.m. at Pittsburgh United's headquarters. Dinner and childcare will be provided.