On February 21st, our team was excited to announce multiple grants and contribution commitments at the West Scranton branch of Fidelity Bank, joined by state and community partners and Senator Marty Flynn's office. This funding includes $850,000 total between the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and private investments from Fidelity Bank and Gerrity's Supermarkets.

This funding will be used over the next six years to make neighborhood improvements as part of DCED's Neighborhood Partnership Program and Keystone Communities Program. This year, funding will be used for vacant lot cleanups, critical home repairs for seniors, additional project planning and other improvement projects throughout West Side. Thank you to our partners for this significant investment in the future of West Scranton!

We were excited to welcome Mayor of Scranton Paige Cognetti to our office to announce new ARPA grants available for new home buyers and current homeowners earlier this month.   The City of Scranton has recently opened grants totaling over $1 million to support new home buyers and current homeowners in need of home repairs. This funding, which comes from the City's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation of $68.7 million, is a huge step in making homeownership more accessible and affordable for Scranton residents.

We have been partnering with the City of Scranton to help Scranton residents realize their dream of homeownership since 2020, and we are proud to continue this work through the First-Time Homebuyer grants, which are available up to $20,000. 

In addition to supporting new home buyers, the Home Rehabilitation grants will support our Aging in Place work for City residents age 60 and over who meet certain income requirements. Funding up to $20,000 is available for home weatherization and repair projects to improve properties and address health and safety needs. To learn more about eligibility requirements, please click here.