By Jonathan Weaver MVI Housing Counselor In the past few months, I’ve been hearing more and more ads on the radio urging people to refinance their homes and use their equity to pay off credit card debt. This all sounds strangely similar to what we heard in the early 2000s. On the surface, it sounds […] Is there a community volunteer or organization in your neighborhood who deserves a little bit of extra recognition this year? Mon Valley Initiative is accepting nominations for its annual Community Partner Awards, presented each year in October. Since 1990, Community Partner Awards have been presented by the community development corporations and local advisory groups that […] If you’re a renter who lost your job due to the coronavirus pandemic, and you need help applying for rental assistance, call MVI. Allegheny County and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency are administering the programs, created under the state’s Rent Relief Program and the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. As a member […] Photo: Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Pittsburgh, 2018. (Mark Dixon photo via Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons.) The death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police has set off a wave of protests around the world, and here in Western Pennsylvania. These demonstrations are not only an expression of anger — they […] Usually, the best time to buy a house is in the late summer or early fall — but 2020 is turning out to be anything but a usual year. With the economy expected to tip into a recession, homebuying is probably the last thing on many people’s minds. On the other hand, mortgage rates are […] A lot of people are struggling with unemployment or losses of income during shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. MVI staff members have compiled this list of tips and suggestions that may be helpful. What do I do if I can’t make my home loan or rent payment? If you have a mortgage and can’t […] I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy in these uncertain times. I just wanted to reach out and remind everyone about the importance of the 2020 Census. Historically, the Mon Valley region has been under-counted, impacting funding for schools, roads, emergency services and other vital resources. While Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland counties are reporting […] MVI housing counselor offers tips, help for homeowners Homeowners who have been laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic should act quickly to see if mortgage payments and other bills can be temporarily deferred. That’s the advice of Jonathan Weaver, a housing counselor at Mon Valley Initiative, who says most lenders are willing to be […] Based on updated guidance from the Allegheny County and Pennsylvania health departments as well as the CDC, we will keep our Homestead and Charleroi offices closed to the public until at least May 8. However, we are open for business and are continuing to provide financial and employment coaching and housing counseling services both online […] The following is a message from Allegheny County Economic Development: Because of the need to take action to “flatten the curve” of the spread of COVID-19, Allegheny County Economic Development is cancelling two Needs Hearings scheduled for next week: Wednesday, March 18, 7 to 8 p.m., Harmar Township Municipal Building; and Thursday, March 19, 6 […]
To refinance, or not refinance? Let’s look at the numbers
Nominate volunteers, organizations for our community partner awards
Need assistance paying your rent? We can help
Black Lives Matter to us
Interest rates are at historic lows. Is it time to go house-hunting?
Q&A: What should I do if I can’t pay my bills?
Census response falling behind in Mon Valley towns
Laid off? Don’t wait to defer mortgage payments, counselor says
COVID-19 Update: We are open and ready to serve you
ACED cancelling public hearings next week
