Wolf Administration Celebrates Groundbreaking of State-Funded Affordable Housing for Seniors and Veterans in Northumberland County

Mount Carmel, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin was joined by local officials and community leaders in breaking ground on a block of affordable senior housing with a preference for veterans in Mount Carmel Borough, Northumberland County.

“This project is the result of the coordination of several partners committed to making Northumberland County a better place to live,” said Secretary Davin. “We’re proud to be a part of this partnership as we work together to improve the quality of life for members of the Mount Carmel community and promote housing for those who need it most – seniors and veterans with low incomes.”

The housing project at 310 W. Seventh St., Mount Carmel, makes use of a long-vacant lot on a street that has been targeted as a community gateway corridor. When complete, the project will consist of five one-bedroom, one-story garden apartments designed specifically to meet the mobility needs of seniors. The project is being supported by DCED through the HOME and Community Block Development Grant programs.

“I want to extend our sincerest thanks to the entire team of our community partners and elected officials that have helped bring this project to fruition,” said Edward P. Christiano, executive director of the Housing Authority of Northumberland County. “We are so very thankful to the entire team at DCED, PHFA, and the Northumberland County Commissioners for providing the necessary funding. The funds are critical to helping us serve the community, especially our senior citizens and veterans. We are very appreciative for the grant award and to be working with these agencies on this important project.”

The Mount Carmel Borough housing project will be similar in design to Phoenix Court, a project completed last year in Atlas. As with the Mount Carmel Borough project, Phoenix Court brought the Housing Authority of Northumberland County together with local officials to build up the local supply of quality, affordable housing for seniors. This new project will place a strong emphasis on housing for senior military veterans with low incomes.