Community Success Stories

First Front Door Helps Single Mother Establish New Housing and Financial Footing

Becoming a first-time homeowner as a single mother has been an incredible journey for Bianca. Bianca says that she couldn’t have done it without the support of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) and our member, LINKBANK, that facilitated that her home financing process was as smooth and stress-free as possible.

“What made this experience even more special was being a recipient of the First Front Door grant,” said Bianca. The FHLBank program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers.

“This grant significantly eased the financial burden, allowing me to secure my home with confidence,” said Bianca.

Bianca believes that the First Front Door grant is a lifeline for people like her and others who might not otherwise have the opportunity to own a home.

“[First Front Door] helps turn the dream of homeownership into a reality, making the American Dream accessible for those who may have thought it was out of reach,” said Bianca. “I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity 

Jonestown Bank & Trust Co. and AHP Help to House a Growing Family

Quincy separated from the father of her three kids in 2019. She needed to leave quickly, so she moved into her mother’s basement, which had one bedroom and living space. Quincy and her two children shared that one bedroom while she was pregnant with her third child.

She knew her family was outgrowing the space in her mom’s basement, and she was saving for a place to live. Quincy worked at Calvary Chapel for a few years when Pastor Tom Keller told her to apply for affordable housing being developed on Canal Street nearby. She was chosen for a two-bedroom duplex, giving Quincy her own bedroom.

Built in 2023, the Canal Affordable Housing has two triplexes and one duplex that house five one-bedroom and three two-bedroom units. Community Homes of Lebanon County was awarded a $750,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant through the support of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh’s member, Jonestown Bank & Trust Co.

Since moving, Quincy has felt relief about giving her children a home. “As a single mom not knowing how you afford life, […] an option out there […] gives you integrity about how you are living.” She now has more peace of mind about raising her children and has secure housing that her family can continue to grow into.

Jonestown Bank & Trust Co. Uses AHP to Support Affordable Housing

Debra was a banker for 23 years until the 2008 market crash. From there, she decided to go to nursing school. As a nurse, Debra began experiencing pain in her back and leg that the doctors believed would be fixed through back surgery. When Deb awoke from surgery, the pain in her leg was still there. A few months later, her leg broke and she discovered the pain was a symptom of cancer.

Due to her financial and health conditions, she moved out of the trailer she had been residing in for a senior apartment. Shortly thereafter, her rent increased to more than $1,000 per month. Her pastor learned of her situation and signed her up for newly constructed affordable housing on Canal Street. “Without this help, all of us [neighbors] would be out of a home and living in our cars or a shelter,” said Debra.

Built in 2023, the Canal Affordable Housing has two triplexes and one duplex that contain five one-bedroom and three two-bedroom units. Community Homes of Lebanon County was awarded a $750,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant through the support of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh’s member, Jonestown Bank & Trust Co.

Deb sees her story as an opportunity to give voice to people in similar situations. “We are eight families here and it would be nice to build [homes] like this all over the place.” She believes that good always comes out of hard things and that being positive is the only way to move forward.

“When you are in this situation, you wake up and say, ‘am I going to have a good day or am I going to sleep through this and stay in bed?’ When you have people like this, it makes you want to get up and say I am going to have a good day.”

Deb looks forward to hosting Bible study in her home with women from her church and neighbors. She is also excited for the wheelchair accessible grass path, and upcoming picnic tables and gazebo for her neighbors to get together more.

Jonestown Bank & Trust Co. Utilizes AHP to Create More Accessible Homes

Built in 2023, the Canal Affordable Housing has two triplexes and one duplex that house five one-bedroom and three two-bedroom units. Community Homes of Lebanon County was awarded a $750,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant through the support of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh’s member, Jonestown Bank & Trust Co.

Lisa lived on the second floor of an efficiency apartment, which was close to her job. Her living room and bedroom were in the same space, giving her virtually no privacy. There were loud parties nearby and train tracks in her backyard. During this time, Lisa had to undergo multiple intense surgeries on her spine, each with long recoveries. She needed a walker to aid in recovery, and as her mobility was limited, she was having trouble living in her non-accommodating apartment.

Things changed when she was encouraged to put her name on a list to be moved into the Canal Street’s affordable housing complex. This housing has no length of stay limitation for the units and provides supportive services that allow renters to succeed in life.

As part of this multi-unit project, Lisa now has an accessible single-floor home with her own bedroom, a shower that she can sit in, and a patio with greenspace on a quiet road. Since moving, Lisa now enjoys being able to watch her grandchildren at her home. She is also thrilled that her 13-year-old cat is acting young again.

FHLBank Pittsburgh Supports Revitalization in 10 Pennsylvania Communities

“It’s not our finish, it’s our start. And it’s going to get us where we need to be,” said Christi Emel, Financial Center Manager at Fulton Bank, and resident of Sunbury, one of the 10 Pennsylvania towns that are 2024 participants in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh’s (FHLBank) Blueprint Communities^® initiative.

On April 29, 2024, FHLBank hosted a ceremony in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to celebrate 10 communities joining this newest cohort of the program. The selected communities include Allentown, Berwick, Carbondale, Easton (South Side), Harrisburg (Allison Hill), Panther Valley School District (Coaldale Lansford, Nesquehoning, and Summit Hill), Philadelphia (Juniata Neighborhood), Reading (9th Street Corridor), Sunbury (Downtown) and White Haven. This is FHLBank’s ninth Blueprint Communities cohort, joining 64 prior community participants.

“Everyone in Sunbury is wanting change,” Emel continues. “Everyone is wanting to see a thriving downtown. Everyone is wanting to see the city, nonprofits and organizations work together, but no one has a plan or pathway to do that. Blueprint Communities is going to give us that plan.”

The Blueprint Communities initiative is unique to FHLBank and focuses on revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by building strong local leadership, collaboration and development capacity, developing sound plans, and encouraging investments by public and private funders.

Each community will connect with partners and resources to help them succeed. Some of the goals that communities have identified include creating affordable housing, developing new businesses to support community needs, enhancing infrastructure and growing tourism opportunities.

“Blueprint Communities could be the change that a neighborhood or community needs to see,” says Christine Verdier, a member of FHLBank’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council. “It’s those initiatives that will be developed by having a plan, taking the resources that are given and putting that plan into action. We are pleased that there are communities that took on the challenge to make their communities better.”

“Blueprint Communities” is a registered service mark of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.

FHLBank Volunteers Join Hands with Local Community for a Green Cause

To celebrate 2024 Earth Day and Arbor Day, employees from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) volunteered in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Tree Pittsburgh, Facility Operations and Resource Planning and the City of Pittsburgh, to plant 115 trees. This effort was part of a larger project aimed at reforesting a site affected by city utility construction, with 1,200 trees planted over four phases.

As part of FHLBank’s sustained environmental volunteerism, employees contributed to the beautification and restoration of Riverview Park, and engaged in team building during this local project.

“Environmental volunteerism in local parks not only reinforces our commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) imperatives, but also strengthens our community bonds,” says Robin Noack, Senior ESG Strategy and Governance Manager at FHLBank. “We look forward to revisiting these saplings as they become an urban forest and continuing our environmental initiatives alongside our regional partners.”

Regional partners were essential to this project. "Riverview Park is a beautiful and hidden gem of the Northside. Despite its recent recognition as an arboretum, it still needs so much love and support to ensure that its tree canopy will continue to grow strong roots," said Jaime Filipek of the Friends of Riverview Park. "That's why volunteer tree plantings are so vital to the park's growth and future success. The energy that tree plantings bring to the park creates positive change for years to come and we are so grateful for that lasting impact." 

This component of FHLBank’s ESG work follows a Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy volunteer event at Kennard Park, where employees participated in an environmental clean-up in a neighborhood recovering from economic disinvestment.

Catherine Quereshi, President and CEO, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, reflected on both events and collaboration, “Partners like FHLBank are instrumental toward the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s efforts to invest in cleaner and greener parks for all and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders and the stewards of tomorrow. Through hands-on volunteerism and financial contributions, FHLBank embodies what it means to be a corporate partner committed to a more sustainable future for our parks and our planet.”

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Review FHLBank’s 2023 Impact Report to learn more about our environmental, social and governance approach: https://www.fhlb-pgh.com/files/resources/24-57.pdf.

Customers Bank Uses AHP to Fund 21 New Units in Philadelphia's Diamond Park Neighborhood

In the Diamond Park neighborhood of Philadelphia, Temple University’s student housing needs have led to dramatic changes. This development boom has had a mixed impact on the neighborhood’s existing residents. In partnership with Customers Bank, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia (HFHP) has made investments to aid the community’s affordable housing needs. 

Diamond Park Phase III is the third part of a project supported by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh’s (FHLBank) Affordable Housing Program (AHP). The funding supported the revitalization of three blocks in the neighborhood by creating new, affordable housing. Before this project, the properties sat vacant, which negatively impacted the surrounding neighborhood. Diamond Park Phase III was completed in the summer of 2023 with 21 new, affordable, energy-efficient units, all purchased by families partnered with HFHP. 

Each home was designed with three bedrooms, one-and-a-half bathrooms, and a yard, and was built using HFHP’s standard sustainable and efficient construction methods. The homes were purchased by low-income families in HFHP’s rigorous Homeownership Program, which includes 125 hours of sweat equity in lieu of a financial down payment. Sweat equity also earns participants a 0% interest, 30-year mortgage, which supports affordability. Additionally, this approach helps the prospective buyers become neighbors, even before they are homeowners.

“Being a homeowner was important to me because I wanted to always provide stability for my family. I tried to buy a home twice. With the loan they offered me, I was like, ‘Where am I going to buy a house with this amount of money?’ I kept researching and then I found Habitat,” says a resident of Diamond Park. “This was something that we accomplished as a family. I am grateful for this experience. Without Habitat, I probably wouldn’t be a homeowner today.”

Customers Bank worked with HFHP to apply for AHP funds from FHLBank. “Customers Bank is committed to supporting affordable housing to build and stabilize communities,” said President and CEO Sam Sidhu. “Far too often, our essential workers in manual labor and service industries cannot afford to live in the cities in which they work. Projects like Diamond Park offer hope and opportunity for these families.”

HFHP has been working in and around this section of North Philadelphia for nearly 39 years and has built and rehabilitated 114 homes in the community. Through their Homeownership Program, they have fostered strength, stability and self-reliance across 265 Philadelphia families, as well as more than 930 homes for existing homeowners in Lower North Philadelphia through their Home Repair Program.

The 21 units were completed, sold and occupied as of August 2023. With its completion, Diamond Park Phase III has increased the neighborhood housing supply and become a positive development for the community.

“Affordable housing is deeply intertwined with the American Dream,” noted Sidhu. “Owning a home signifies stability, security, upward mobility and ‘roots’ in the community. A home is more than a shelter; it’s a pathway to a better future.”

About Customers Bank

Customers Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:CUBI) is one of the nation’s top-performing banking companies with nearly $22 billion in assets making it one of the 80 largest bank holding companies in the U.S. Customers Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary — serves commercial and consumer clients with a full suite of technology-enabled tailored product experiences delivered by best-in-class customer service distinguished by a Single Point of Contact approach. In addition to traditional lines such as C&I lending, commercial real estate lending and multifamily lending, Customers Bank also provides a number of national corporate banking services to specialized lending clients. Major accolades include:

• No. 5 on American Banker 2023 list of top-performing banks with $10B to $50B in assets;
• No. 29 out of the 100 largest publicly traded banks in 2024 Forbes Best Banks list; and
• No. 52 on Investor’s Business Daily 100 Best Stocks for 2023.

A member of the Federal Reserve System with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Customers Bank is an equal opportunity lender. Learn more: www.customersbank.com.

About FHLBank Pittsburgh

FHLBank Pittsburgh provides reliable funding and liquidity to its member financial institutions, which include commercial and savings banks, community development financial institutions, credit unions and insurance companies in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. FHLBank products and resources help support community lending, housing and economic development. As one of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks established by Congress, FHLBank has been an integral and reliable part of the financial system since 1932. Learn more by visiting www.fhlb-pgh.com.

 

 

 

 

Diverse Suppliers Central to Employee Education, Training and Resource Groups

Ongoing employee education is key to our high-performance Bank. At the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank), our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) through engagement with subject matter experts has been essential to fostering a more inclusive workplace culture that mitigates biases and drives organizational success.

We prioritize developing and maintaining successful relationships with certified minority- and women-owned firms. A diverse pool of qualified vendors provides more options when procuring goods and services and promotes innovation and creativity.

“FHLBank puts our Supplier Diversity Good Faith Efforts approach into action with every new vendor relationship,” said Joel Acie, Deputy Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. “We are proud to partner with diverse businesses to deliver important trainings and insights to expand the knowledge and skills of our employees.”

Our DEI educational series helps employees understand the societal and institutional biases that disadvantaged populations may experience, while also encouraging self-awareness of the tremendous impact that individual language and actions have on shaping workplace culture.

Over the past four years, our DEI education has focused on three strategic benefits:

1. Supporting Employee Education

2. Upholding Workplace Sensitivity

3. Developing Inclusive Thinking and Actions

FHLBank utilizes diverse suppliers to provide DEI training aligned with our employee resource groups (ERGs): African American, Diverse Horizons (reading-focused), Multi-Ethnic, Pride and Women groups.

A few examples are below from our many diverse vendors who supported employee training and education in the past year.

Through the African American ERG, FHLBank was able to conduct our annual Juneteenth Day of Learning and Reflection that consisted of an educational session on the history of Juneteenth presented by Dr. Kimberly Ellis, Activist, Keynote Speaker and Scholar of American and Africana Studies. The event continued with discussions on FHLBank’s influential position in the community through our community product, BOBIE, and a conversation with our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award recipient.

During Pride Month, the Pride ERG welcomed Sarah Rosso to speak to FHLBank employees about their position of Executive Director at the Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation. The Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation was established in 2017 to improve the health of the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities in Western Pennsylvania and has decades of experience enacting effective change for government, nonprofit and corporate entities to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for organizations and the people that they serve.

In September, the Women’s ERG hosted Sandy Campbell in a Bankwide session about challenging perceptions around stress. Campbell instructed the attendees about skills to confront challenges with greater capacity, stamina and well-being.

Following a Bankwide session on allyship, Karen Catlin, a prominent national DEI trainer said, “It was an honor to deliver my keynote, ‘Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive Workplaces’ for FHLBank Pittsburgh. The response was outstanding. I’m delighted to have played even a small role in helping the staff be better allies.”

“Supplier diversity promotes innovation by encouraging competitive pricing, enhancing service quality and providing new solutions; inclusive practices and equitable access to opportunity also foster a stronger, more resilient economy,” said Katey Malesic, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. “The active participation of all our employees in DEI trainings and supplier diversity makes FHLBank and our community a better place to work and thrive.”

About FHLBank Pittsburgh

FHLBank Pittsburgh provides reliable funding and liquidity to its member financial institutions, which include commercial and savings banks, community development financial institutions, credit unions and insurance companies in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. FHLBank products and resources help support community lending, housing and economic development. As one of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks established by Congress, FHLBank has been an integral and reliable part of the financial system since 1932. Learn more by visiting www.fhlb-pgh.com.

FHLBank Furthers Environmental Commitment Through Employee Impact

As part of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh’s (FHLBank) continued focus on the environment and sustainability, several employees gathered in Pittsburgh’s Hill District at Kennard Park to participate in our first park clean-up with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Employees worked together to collect debris, place mulch around trees, plant bulbs and remove invasive vines.

Kennard Park is located in Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District, which has experienced uneven economic development over the past 50 years. For the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, ongoing investments and service activities at Kennard Park help promote volunteerism, conservation and community engagement in our region’s green spaces. 

“Having green spaces in the city are important for several reasons,” said Hersh Merenstein of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. “It gives people a ‘third space’ to meet, enjoy the outdoors and build community. Having organizations like FHLBank participate in environmental and conservation activities furthers our collective sense of community and helps improve our parks.”

“Through volunteer activities, supporting employee and Bankwide giving and supporting healthy green spaces in our community, FHLBank is taking deliberate steps to incorporate sustainability into our business,” said Robin Noack, Senior ESG Strategy and Governance Manager at FHLBank. “We are proud to be located in Pittsburgh and feel honored to be in a position where we can give back.”

It is our hope that this is one of many service projects that beautify our district, support our neighbors, and further our commitment to the environment.

About FHLBank Pittsburgh

FHLBank Pittsburgh provides reliable funding and liquidity to its member financial institutions, which include commercial and savings banks, community development financial institutions, credit unions and insurance companies in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. FHLBank products and resources help support community lending, housing and economic development. As one of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks established by Congress, FHLBank has been an integral and reliable part of the financial system since 1932. Learn more by visiting www.fhlb-pgh.com.

Employee Resource Groups Showcase FHLBank Pittsburgh's Values

At the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank), we are proud to have five Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that provide our colleagues with support and promote collaboration. Our African American, Diverse Horizons, Multi-Ethnic, Pride and Women ERGs have enabled us to further our diversity, equity and inclusion journey, and all employees are able to join. In 2023, each group had incredible accomplishments and contributed to our organization in meaningful ways.

African American ERG (AAERG) is focused on organizational matters impacting African Americans within the workplace. The group is dedicated to supporting the recruitment, retention and engagement of African Americans while assisting in creating an inclusive environment, which enhances the work environment for all. During Black History Month, AAERG put together employee features to highlight and celebrate our influential Black leaders working at FHLBank, and was integral to planning our third annual Juneteenth Day of Learning.

Diverse Horizons ERG (DHERG) is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion through reading and discussing current and classic literary works related to a variety of backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities and identities. The group’s focus is on building relationships among employees and increasing appreciation and understanding of diverse backgrounds and cultural experiences. One of the books DHERG read in 2023 was “Fighting Back,” an autobiography by Rocky Bleier, veteran and former Pittsburgh Steelers’ running back. At the end of the year, DHERG hosted Bleier at the office to hear his story directly, and also have photo opportunities with him, his book and his four Super Bowl rings.

Our Multi-Ethnic ERG (MERG) is dedicated to enhancing awareness of different ethnicities through events and community service opportunities that foster networking, professional development, mentoring and leadership opportunities for all. In June 2023, MERG hosted Maria Montaño to speak with FHLBank employees about her journey of becoming the first openly trans woman to serve as Pittsburgh's Press Secretary. During this time, Maria told stories about her experiences and her career accomplishments, including developing innovative social media campaigns, executing press events across Pennsylvania and developing a new communications staff.

The Pride ERG works to promote diversity, equity and inclusion by creating a welcoming and supportive work environment for members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. The group’s focus is on building relationships among employees and creating an open forum to share common interests/concerns. This results in support for one another, and highlights ways our organization can learn from these conversations. In June 2023, FHLBank employees marched in the Pittsburgh Pride Parade to celebrate with our community and employees.

Our Women’s ERG (WERG) is dedicated to promoting women leadership and excellence. The group’s focus is on building relationships among employees, aiding in professional development and providing networking opportunities for its members. In 2023, WERG was able to bring in several different speakers to lead sessions on empowering women in the workplace. Members of WERG were also able to sponsor and support in-district events like Pittsburgh-based, Strong Women Strong Girls’ annual Strong Awards Celebration.

The ERGs further our diversity, equity and inclusion journey and make FHLBank a stronger work environment and partner to our community. While our ERGs center around events and moments, they also reinforce company values and create opportunities for all our employees to connect in meaningful ways.

PSECU Uses First Front Door to Support Their First-time Homebuyers

Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU) launched its First-Time Homebuyer Program designed to provide funding to first-time homebuyers without a 20% down payment. In combination with offering access to First Front Door (FFD), a down payment and closing costs assistance program offered by the Federal Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank), PSECU has been able to make homeownership a reality for more people and households.

The PSECU program allows for 100% financing to creditworthy borrowers with as little as 1% held in borrower reserves. The PSECU program eliminates the requirement for private mortgage insurance, in addition to PSECU’s standard practice of not charging fees for the appraisal, credit report, and flood zone determination. To participate in this program, prospective borrowers are linked to required homebuyer education courses to help them understand the process and responsibility of homeownership.

As one of the Commonwealth’s largest credit unions, with a focus on serving the financial needs of its 590,000 members, reaching Pennsylvania’s first-time homebuyers is central to its business. In 2023, PSECU’s First-Time Homebuyer Program received 1,052 mortgage applications. With the FHLBank FFD program, PSECU has been able to help even more applicants. Access to the FFD grant program in 2023 allowed PSECU to go a step further and provide borrowers with up to a maximum of an additional $5,000 to put toward their closing costs.

“Having worked with the First Front Door grant program previously, I knew that it would be a great addition to our First-Time Homebuyer Program,” said Todd Newpher, Mortgage Originator Manager, PSECU. “In 2023, and for the first time in PSECU’s history, we started offering FFD, which aligns well with our program.”

PSECU recognizes the tremendous impact that owning a home can have on financial stability and a family’s future. The credit union philosophy of “people helping people” drives them to offer innovative programs that create opportunities and growth for their members – enabling them to own their future.

“With PSECU’s already low closing costs, some borrowers were able to get into their new home with little to no out-of-pocket money,” said Newpher. “What a fantastic opportunity to help first-time homebuyers achieve the dream of homeownership!”

In 2024, PSECU is hoping to increase the number of first-time homebuyers served, and FFD is part of that strategy. “We are always looking for ways to improve the lives of those our members serve,” said Alexa Mascara, FHLBank’s product manager for FFD. “This community product is made possible through our members and furthers their great work in our region.”

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About PSECU

Opened in 1934, PSECU was founded by 22 ordinary people who pooled $90 and made an extraordinary commitment to each other: To create a financial institution where collective resources benefit all members. Today, PSECU continues that legacy as Pennsylvania’s digital-first credit union, with $8 billion in assets, more than 590,000 members, and a convenient anytime, anywhere banking model. For more information about PSECU, visit psecu.com. PSECU has been recognized as a Best-In-State Credit Union by Forbes, one of America’s Best Banks by Newsweek, and a Best Credit Union by GOBanking Rates. View its Year In Review to learn how PSECU contributes to the greater good.

About FHLBank Pittsburgh

FHLBank Pittsburgh provides reliable funding and liquidity to its member financial institutions, which include commercial and savings banks, community development financial institutions, credit unions and insurance companies in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. FHLBank products and resources help support community lending, housing and economic development. As one of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks established by Congress, FHLBank has been an integral and reliable part of the financial system since 1932. Learn more by visiting www.fhlb-pgh.com.

Home4Good Funds Housing Services Work in Greater Pittsburgh

As the cost of living in the Greater Pittsburgh area continues to rise, those who are marginalized and face tough financial situations are most at-risk. Life events, such as injury, abuse and job loss, can impact people seeking help. When people are facing these challenges, they often won’t ask for assistance until they are already late on rent or housing payments or facing eviction.

Fortunately for those in need, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh (SVdP) is able to step in to help their clients facing housing insecurity – services include support for rent, utilities, transportation, food and other necessities.

To expand their reach and impact, SVdP received a $75,000 Home4Good award, which is jointly offered by FHLBank Pittsburgh (FHLBank) and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. This work includes partnerships with local continuums of care and service organizations serving housing insecure populations.

“Home4Good allowed us to sustain the Direct Assistance Fund and capacity building training resources for our Conferences,” said Ricardo Luckow, Executive Director of SVdP. “Our goal for this fund is to address emergency needs, like housing and food insecurity, and to provide a path to sustainable solutions for our neighbors in need.”

This program, supported by Home4Good, channels dollars to local service organizations that know how to help. The grant funds supported training for Conferences to identify poverty and create a resource directory to connect individuals in need of services. Conferences are organized groups of individuals who provide direct assistance, as well as social and emotional support, to their neighbors in need.

SVdP supports a consortium of more than 60 Conferences in the Greater Pittsburgh region and 31 in Allegheny County. Typically, Conferences are organized through Catholic parishes, but can be formed around any group.

When a client contacts SVdP, they are connected with their local Conference who then assesses their situation through an initial conversation, followed by a home visit. Home visits are a uniquely volunteer-based element of SVdP, which often uncovers additional unmet needs that clients didn’t know could be addressed. Volunteers go into the homes of those requesting help and spend time to learn about their needs to find long-term solutions. SVdP not only provides financial means, but also community connections to help these individuals. The relationships built through the person-to-person service serve as natural mechanisms for follow-up as clients move along their path to achieving self-sufficiency, dignity and hope.

Multiple, current FHLBank members were involved with the SVdP project including Atlantic Community Bankers Bank; First National Bank of Pennsylvania; Mars Bank; NY Life Ins & Annuity Co.; Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company; QBE Insurance Corporation; S&T Bank; SSB Bank; Washington Financial Bank; and West View Savings Bank.

“Navigating the needs of those who are housing insecure in our region requires business and community partners,” said Alexa Mascara, FHLBank’s Home4Good product manager. “We are thankful that so many organizations stepped forward to support SVdP’s Direct Assistance Fund, which will help hundreds of people on the road to economic recovery.”

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About the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh

Founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam, a French college student, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul serves local individuals in need on a person-to-person level. The Society is operated primarily by volunteers, organized in regional Councils around the world. The Council of Pittsburgh was formed in 1852 and covers six counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania – Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Greene, Lawrence, and Washington.

About FHLBank Pittsburgh

FHLBank Pittsburgh provides reliable funding and liquidity to its member financial institutions, which include commercial and savings banks, community development financial institutions, credit unions and insurance companies in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. FHLBank products and resources help support community lending, housing and economic development. As one of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks established by Congress, FHLBank has been an integral and reliable part of the financial system since 1932. Learn more by visiting www.fhlb-pgh.com.

1,000th BOB Loan Supports Woman-owned Fresh Produce Small Business

The Pittsburgh Juice Company was first opened in February 2014 in a historic art deco building overlooking Doughboy Square in Lower Lawrenceville. With a successful first location, company owner and founder, Naomi Hoppel was looking for a way to continue the growth of her business.

Hoppel faced challenges common to many small businesses including staffing, inventory management and limited access to capital. Despite these challenges, as well as ones that impact a fresh, organic fruit business uniquely, her vision for a fresh food and community destination kept Hoppel moving forward.

Next to the City of Pittsburgh, the former farmer's market in Aspinwall was purchased by Hoppel in April 2023 and would double as a cafe and new production area. The new location, Vibrant Sunshine Juicery Cafe, would be dedicated to “promoting happiness, wellness and sustainability through delicious grab-and-go foods and juices,” said Hoppel. “And the high traffic area allows convenient access to fresh food with plant-forward options.”

The Pittsburgh Juice Company acquired a business loan from Enterprise Bank, an FHLBank Pittsburgh (FHLBank) member. Additional financing was still needed to make this project possible; so, Enterprise Bank helped them access an FHLBank Banking On Business (BOB) loan. The BOB program, which offers secondary financing, can help to fill the financing gap between what a qualified small business needs and what a member financial institution is willing to lend.

In discussing the loan for this small business, Chuck Leyh, President and CEO of Enterprise Bank said, “Enterprise Bank is committed to helping small businesses serve communities and FHLBank Pittsburgh is an essential partner in that mission. We look forward to watching The Pittsburgh Juice Company thrive.”

The Pittsburgh Juice Company application became FHLBank’s 1,000th BOB loan to be funded and utilized the Banking On Business Inclusion and Equity fund (BOBIE). “BOBIE is a specific type of BOB loan which was established as a special purpose credit program that offers flexible terms that are favorable to minority- and women-owned small business borrowers,” said Julie Francis, product manager for the program. “Through the support of our members, FHLBank is able to provide additional funding to empower small businesses and create a positive economic impact on the areas our members serve.”

“This newest location marks an important step forward for The Pittsburgh Juice Company and Vibrant Sunshine,” said Hoppel. “The expanded retail space and production capacity will have a profound impact on our operations and enable us to grow to our full potential with expanded menu offerings and jobs created in our community. We are grateful for the support we have received throughout this expansion and for the opportunity to serve the Aspinwall community. We are so excited for the future!”

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About The Pittsburgh Juice Company

At The Pittsburgh Juice Company (affectionately known as “PJC”), the goal is to provide a product that makes you feel good and that you can feel good about. They believe in sustainability and the importance of wholesome, unprocessed, plant-based foods. In this woman-owned, family business, waste is minimal while ingredients are organic and seasonally local; all making for happy bodies and for a happy earth. Their new endeavor Vibrant Sunshine Juicery Cafe is a plant-forward cafe dedicated to promoting happiness, wellness and sustainability through nutritious grab-and-go foods and drinks.

About Enterprise Bank

Enterprise Bank opened its doors for business in October 1998. Since that day, our focus has been on providing the region with a bank that addresses the particular needs of entrepreneurs, startups, expanding businesses, and businesses in distress. It is our conviction that every business deserves the chance to start, grow and succeed. Enterprise Bank strives to bring an entrepreneurial spirit to the traditional commercial banking industry.

About FHLBank Pittsburgh

FHLBank Pittsburgh provides reliable funding and liquidity to its member financial institutions, which include commercial and savings banks, community development financial institutions, credit unions and insurance companies in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. FHLBank products and resources help support community lending, housing and economic development. As one of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks established by Congress, FHLBank has been an integral and reliable part of the financial system since 1932. Learn more by visiting www.fhlb-pgh.com.

S&T Bank Uses Affordable Housing Program (AHP) Grant to Support Sellersville Seniors

Sellersville is a small rural community with an industrial past. The town of 4,500 is an active, revitalized community, north of Philadelphia, with a healthy mix of shops and restaurants, small businesses and cultural amenities, along with an attractive residential area for those working in the surrounding urban centers. According to Dan McKee, President and CEO of Grace Inspired Ministries (GIM), Sellersville is also "an area with a growing cost of living and a very limited supply of high-quality, cost-effective rental housing for seniors and people with cognitive differences.”

As a regional bank operating for more than 120 years, S&T Bank knows the financial needs of the community well. Recognizing the lack of affordable senior living developments, S&T Bank, a member of FHLBank Pittsburgh (FHLBank), applied for an Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant. Together with GIM, which runs two life plan communities, S&T Bank partnered with affordable housing developer Leon N. Weiner & Associates (LNWA), and others, on this community project.

Finding the right mix of funding is critical for the success of any affordable housing project. LNWA Development Coordinator Beau Jones explains, “Affordable housing projects are not like market-rate projects where you can easily find equity. Rents are not the same as market-rate housing, so you have to find funding that will enable affordable rents.” For the $17.1 million Sellersville Senior Residences, that mix of funding included Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and a low-interest mortgage from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency; Bucks County community reinvestment capital, including financing from the county’s redevelopment authority; and a $405,000 AHP grant from FHLBank. In addition to its participation in obtaining the project’s AHP grant, S&T Bank provided a competitively priced construction loan.

In 2018, as ongoing preparations were being made, GIM acquired the property – an abandoned parking lot identified as a brownfield – and in partnership with LNWA, began the pre-construction work.

Sellersville Senior Residences is now an affordable and supportive housing community with 50 apartments: 42 one-bedroom units for residents aged 55 and older, and eight two-bedroom units for adults of all ages with behavioral health needs. All the apartments are Americans with Disabilities Act adaptable and built to the highest energy efficiency standards defined by the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home program. Rents are based on household income and affordable to households with incomes ranging from 20% to 60% of area median income.

Underscoring the area’s need for affordable senior housing, the apartments were fully leased after only 60 days of their initial availability in April 2022, and the waitlist currently extends past three years. “Projects like Sellersville Senior Residences not only serve as affordable homes for seniors, but also an innovative way to bring residents and stakeholders together in ways that foster community, trust and friendships,” said John Bendel, Senior Director of Community Investment, FHLBank.

Reflecting on the project’s success, Jones said, “There is always a need for gap financing in our industry, and it’s always difficult to find. FHLBank works hard to find ways to fill the gap and to make a project work. Both FHLBank and S&T Bank were great to work with and very supportive of this project.”

Transitional Housing Constructed for Homelessness Relief Services in Columbia County

Accessing homelessness relief services, particularly in rural areas, can be exceptionally challenging. First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. (First Columbia), along with regional stakeholder Community Strategies Group (CSG), recognized both the need and opportunity to serve those in their local community.

Through its Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) membership, First Columbia received a $650,000 grant through the FHLBank’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP). Funding for the project, comprising the combination of the AHP grant together with other funds CSG secured from federal, state and local sources, totaled $2.9 million – a solid foundation for converting the former West Street Church into transitional housing.

“Our members are the link between our cooperative’s funds and local housing needs,” said John Bendel, Senior Director of Community Investment, FHLBank. “First Columbia’s support of this project is a testament to their commitment to serving the needs in their backyard and demonstrates how the FHLBank’s AHP can help to address those needs.”

The former church building had been long owned by Bloomsburg resident Bill Brobst and, following his donation of the property, the resulting transitional housing was renamed Bill’s House, in his honor. “From the beginning, this project has aimed to help those experiencing homelessness in our community. We are already seeing the positive impact of this transitional housing and the associated programs. The positive impact will be felt by our community for years to come,” said Lance O. Diehl, President and Chief Executive Officer, First Columbia.

Bill’s House created nine rental units, with five units dedicated to those transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. Residents are recommended through a non-profit community organization that provides safe shelter to homeless families in Pennsylvania’s Columbia and Montour Counties.

In addition to housing, this collaboration also includes transformative services such as personal budgeting, financial literacy, job placement and job training. “These services create an atmosphere of bonding between Bill’s House residents and foster important skills necessary for a successful transition to live independently,” explained Josh Nespoli, CSG’s Deputy Director.

Bill’s House was completed in 2022. While some residents may need to stay for a few years, others have already moved out to permanent housing. That path to success allows for additional new residents to use Bill’s House as a step in their journey toward a better future.

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About Community Strategies Group (CSG)

CSG collaborates with public and private partners to enhance the quality of life in the communities that they serve. CSG strives to create strategic pathways to local solutions. CSG empowers individuals and organizations to achieve strong, healthy communities where all basic needs are met for every citizen. All people should have access to adequate housing, nutrition, recreation, the arts, and meaningful work.

About First Columbia Bank & Trust Co.

First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. is a full-service community commercial bank, serving a market area in Columbia, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montour and Northumberland counties in Pennsylvania.

First Columbia engages in a full line of personal, business and municipal financial services and alternative investment products, including, under full trust powers, a complete line of corporate and personal fiduciary services. First Columbia addresses these markets through its main office in Bloomsburg and 11 community branch offices.

About FHLBank Pittsburgh

FHLBank Pittsburgh provides reliable funding and liquidity to its member financial institutions, which include commercial and savings banks, community development financial institutions, credit unions and insurance companies in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. FHLBank products and resources help support community lending, housing and economic development. As one of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks established by Congress, FHLBank has been an integral and reliable part of the financial system since 1932. Learn more by visiting www.fhlb-pgh.com.