Category: Community Revitalization

SEDA-COG HDC receives $450K PHARE funds to jumpstart CRIB project

SEDA-COG HDC receives $450K PHARE funds to jumpstart CRIB project

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Photo description: Currently vacant, this longstanding structure in the heart of Shamokin is set to undergo a multi-year, mixed-use redevelopment, with plans to include affordable housing and a potential business incubator.

Lewisburg, PA – SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has received $450,000 from the 2024 Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE), from the PA Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), to jumpstart its Coal Region Innovation Builder (CRIB) project in the City of Shamokin.

CRIB is a mixed-use redevelopment project taking a vacant, historic building in Shamokin’s downtown core and turning it into a vibrant community hub that will ultimately include eleven energy-efficient, affordable housing units and a proposed business incubator to support the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

With housing affordability continuing to be an issue in the city and region, this project will implement a rent structure that ensures accessibility for lower-income groups.

By prioritizing affordable housing and the incubator space, the project will foster financial stability for low-income families and provide opportunities for community-based businesses, creating a lasting impact on household stability and the local economy.

The $450,000 PHARE funds will be used to initiate Phase I and II of the multi-year, multi-funded project, which is expected to cost over $5 million once completed.

The PHARE funds received will cover the acquisition of the building, exterior renovations, and begin development of the first two floors—the proposed incubator, one ADA-compliant housing unit on the first floor, and five additional housing units on the second floor.

Located in the heart of the multi-million-dollar downtown Independence Street streetscape project, the CRIB project is positioned to maximize impact by revitalizing housing options and commercial spaces as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance economic resilience in Shamokin.

This funding is part of a statewide initiative unveiled earlier this week by PHFA. This year, PHFA is distributing $73 million in PHARE funding to support 387 housing and community development projects across all 67 counties, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis and expanding access to safe, affordable housing.

About PHFA
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs. Through its carefully managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, PHFA also promotes economic development across the state. Since its creation by the legislature in 1972, it has generated more than $19.7 billion of funding for more than 205,147 single-family home mortgage loans, helped fund the construction of 110,284 rental units, distributed approximately $362 million to support local housing initiatives, and saved the homes of more than 51,400 families from foreclosure. PHFA programs and operations are funded primarily by the sale of securities and from fees paid by program users, not by public tax dollars. The agency is governed by a 14-member board.

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. About SEDA-COG HDC
The SEDA-COG HDC is a 501(c)(3) corporation that works to enhance, promote, and develop housing opportunities for low-income individuals and families in order to relieve the poor, distressed, and underprivileged, to lessen the burdens of government, and to combat community deterioration.

Oasis Recovery Club Receives $712K to Expand Services and Meet Growing Community Needs

Oasis Recovery Club Receives $712K to Expand Services and Meet Growing Community Needs

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Oasis Recovery Club has been awarded $712,690 to expand its services and better meet the needs of individuals seeking recovery support. With this grant, Oasis will be fully equipped to serve all individuals in need, with the necessary personnel, systems, and resources in place.

Since 2019, Oasis has provided a safe, inclusive space for individuals to access education, support, and resources to continue their recovery journey. However, Oasis has identified a growing need within the community that exceeds its current resources, recognizing that expanding services is essential to fully support those in recovery.

To address the need for additional resources, Oasis reached out to Betsy Kramer, CEcD, EDP, program manager at SEDA-Council of Governments, to seek funding to expand its services. With Kramer’s assistance, Oasis applied for funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs earlier this year and successfully secured the grant in December. These funds will enable Oasis to expand its substance use disorder drop-in center services.

These funds are part of a nearly $20M investment by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to fund and support life-saving resources for people battling substance use disorders.

The expansion of Oasis includes offering more group meetings, such as 12-step programs, and extending drop-in support hours to provide greater flexibility in meeting community needs. Services will include daily AA and NA meetings, harm reduction initiatives, peer support groups, and resources like food, clothing, and hygiene supplies.

Another key component of this expansion is increasing staffing to ensure consistent and comprehensive support at all stages of recovery and allow Oasis to increase its operating hours to 40 hours per week. It will enable more one-on-one support, additional group sessions, and increased access to resources, significantly enhancing Oasis’ impact on individuals in recovery. Staff changes include transitioning from a part-time to a full-time certified recovery specialist and hiring a community resource coordinator.

Additionally, Oasis plans to purchase a passenger van to enhance its ability to serve the community. This van will provide crucial transportation for individuals who face barriers accessing Oasis’ services, particularly those in rural or underserved areas. It will also support outreach efforts by expanding Oasis’ reach to remote communities, delivering resources such as food and clothing, and facilitating transportation to treatment appointments or recovery-related activities. This addition will ensure that more individuals can benefit from Oasis’ services.

With these enhanced resources, Oasis will be better equipped to meet the growing needs of individuals struggling with substance use disorder in the City of Shamokin and Northumberland County. By doing so, the center will play a pivotal role in promoting broader social and economic improvements, supporting individuals in maintaining employment, stabilizing housing, and reducing the strain on healthcare services. Additionally, Oasis will contribute to addressing the opioid crisis and strengthening community resilience.

For individuals in need of support, those who know someone who could benefit, or anyone interested in learning more about Oasis Recovery Club’s services, please visit oasis4recovery.com or call 570-500-0759.

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Shamokin Wins Townie Award

Shamokin Wins Townie Award

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

The City of Shamokin is experiencing a downtown revitalization, and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center has taken notice, bestowing the Shamokin Partnership for Revitalization with a 2024 Townie Award.

The award was presented in the area of physical improvement and design for public space improvement at Illumination Station Pocket Park.

The Townie Awards are a celebrated and long-standing tradition aimed at honoring key communities and individuals within the commonwealth who develop and execute projects, programs, and events that align with the goals of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s community revitalization mission. Nearly 200 member organizations, including those participating in Main Street and Elm Street programs, are eligible to compete for these prestigious awards, making the Townies a highly competitive annual event.

On hand to accept the award were Betsy Kramer, community revitalization manager at SEDA-Council of Governments and project manager for GoShamokin, Justin Bainbridge, downtown manager for the City of Shamokin, and Sean Garrigan of Stomberg, Garrigan & Associate.

Through its revitalization plan, GoShamokin, the Shamokin Partnership for Revitalization has already undertaken several projects that display the transformative power of community-driven initiatives, with many more projects planned.

Illumination Station Pocket Park stands as a shining example of what has already been accomplished. Located in the heart of Shamokin, this project turned two unsightly, blighted buildings into a welcoming place where individuals of all ages can gather, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Moreover, Illumination Station Pocket Park embodies the spirit of community collaboration. From the initial planning stages to the ongoing maintenance efforts, this project has brought together residents, local businesses, and civic organizations in a shared commitment to revitalizing the cityscape. Through their dedication and hard work, they have demonstrated what can be achieved when communities unite behind a common vision.

“This award is a testament to the Shamokin community’s remarkable spirit and resilience. Together, we’ve turned challenges into opportunities, creating spaces like Illumination Station Pocket Park that infuse joy and vitality into the downtown of Shamokin,” remarked Betsy Kramer, community revitalization program manager at SEDA-COG.

“As downtown manager for the City of Shamokin, this recognition from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center motivates us to continue our work in making Shamokin a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming place for all,” said Justin Bainbridge.

“The prestigious Townie Award from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center speaks to the great achievements that the City of Shamokin and all of its community partners have been able to accomplish. Illumination Station represents one more step in the growing vibrancy of Downtown Shamokin,” Sean Garrigan of Stromberg, Garrigan & Associates stated.

The community of Shamokin not only has plans for the repurposing and reuse of other vacant properties throughout the city but also the incorporation of a “Complete Streets” strategy. This strategy considers safe access to streets for all people who need to use them, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.

The Shamokin Partnership for Revitalization was established in 2018 between the City of Shamokin, SEDA-COG, and Shamokin Area Businesses for Economic Revitalization (SABER). As the revitalization has evolved, the city was able to forge a new partnership with the Shamokin Area Economic Development Authority (SAEDA) and bring onboard a new downtown manager, Justin Bainbridge in 2024.

SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in eleven central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. 

 

For more information, please contact Nancy Osborn, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-254-4491 x7234 or 570-768-0525 or nosborn@seda-cog.org.

SEDA-COG… Building Strong Economies & Strong Communities

SEDA-COG Secures $1.5 Million EPA Coalition Grant for Brownfield Assessments

SEDA-COG Secures $1.5 Million EPA Coalition Grant for Brownfield Assessments

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

SEDA-Council of Governments is proud to announce the successful award of a $1.5 million EPA Coalition Grant. This grant is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s investing in America agenda, which is providing over $300 million in grants to help states, Tribal Nations, local governments, and non-profit organizations assess and clean up polluted brownfield sites across the country.

The $1.5 million grant secured by SEDA-COG is designated for environmental assessments throughout an 11-county region in central Pennsylvania. The grant aims to provide thorough environmental assessments and reuse plans for brownfield properties, which are defined as properties that may have complications due to the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.

The funds will become available on October 1, 2024. At that time, a Qualified Environmental Professional will be selected, with projects expected to begin in early 2025. Priority projects, identified in the grant application, are located in the coalition lead counties of Clinton, Mifflin, and Northumberland.

“This grant is a major step forward in revitalizing our region,” said Betsy Kramer, Community Revitalization Program Manager of SEDA-COG. “By addressing and mitigating environmental concerns on brownfield sites, we can pave the way for new developments, improve public health, and enhance the overall quality of life in our communities.”

The successful application and award of this grant highlight the collaborative efforts of the planning directors and commissioners of the lead counties, whose assistance was crucial in securing this funding. This achievement marks the third highly competitive EPA Brownfield Grant secured by the SEDA-COG Community Revitalization team since 2021, bringing the total EPA funds received to $2.8 million.

What This Grant Means for Our Region:

Revitalization and Economic Growth: This funding will enable the transformation of previously unusable land into valuable community assets, fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability. New developments such as diversifying downtown businesses and creating new affordable housing opportunities are key anticipated outcomes.

Public Health and Quality of Life: By addressing environmental concerns, we can improve public health and enhance the overall quality of life for our residents.

Infrastructure Connectivity: The project will capitalize on and connect with existing infrastructure such as biking and pedestrian trails, parks, and downtown revitalization initiatives.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the planning directors and commissioners of Mifflin, Clinton, and Northumberland counties for their unwavering support and collaboration in this endeavor,” added Frankie Cabradilla Hockenbrocht, Community Capacity Coordinator of SEDA-COG. “Their efforts have been instrumental in securing this transformative funding for our region. We also thank the talented and intelligent team at SEDA-COG, who are doing inspiring work in our communities every day.”

For more information about this grant and its impact on our region, please contact:

Betsy Kramer
Community Revitalization
SEDA-COG
201 Furnace Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837
(570) 524-4491
bkramer@seda-cog.org

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

For more information, please contact Nancy Osborn, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-254-4491 x7234 or 570-768-0525 or nosborn@seda-cog.org.

SEDA-COG… Building Strong Economies & Strong Communities