A nationwide eviction moratorium — enacted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic — is scheduled to expire July 31. Experts are concerned that a “tidal wave” of evictions could begin this summer as landlords seek to remove tenants who cannot afford rent. “About $46 billion was allocated for rent relief, but a lot of […]
Read More Rent moratorium’s end could trigger ‘tidal wave’ of evictions
Mon Valley Initiative is moving ahead with plans for the conversion of a vacant but historically significant church in Braddock into much-needed quality housing. Dave Yargeau, MVI real estate developer, recently presented the Regional Development Committee with a proposal to transform the First United Presbyterian Church on Parker Avenue into an eight-unit apartment building. Built […]
Read More Planning underway for historic church’s $2.6M transformation
State officials have honored the City of Clairton for its efforts to create quality, affordable housing and remove blight from the central business district. During a ceremony that was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development presented Clairton officials with the Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence […]
Read More Clairton officials receive Governor’s Award for community and economic revitalizationOne of the most popular programs offered by Mon Valley Initiative’s Workforce Development & Financial Coaching team — free computer skills class — was forced to suspend operations in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, MVI is resuming courses with online instruction, and is also offering an additional 10-week pre-employment certificate program. The first […]
Read More New 10-week online certificate program covers resume writing, other skills
Above: “Pittsburgh” by Peter Miller, via Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Mon Valley Initiative honored local groups and organizations this month with its 2020 regional and community partner awards. Called “Beyond 2020,” the award ceremony — usually held in conjunction with a banquet — was held as a virtual, online event due […]
Read More Community volunteers celebrated for hard work, vision
State, county and local officials broke ground this morning on what Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi said is probably the largest new development in his city in 50 years. The $16.7 million, 70,000-square-foot Clairton Inn Project will provide 49 units of quality, affordable housing and several street-level commercial or retail spaces along Miller Avenue in what […]
Read More Celebration marks $16.7M Clairton development
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 […]
Read More Nominate volunteers, organizations for our community partner awards
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 […]
Read More Black Lives Matter to us
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 […]
Read More Census response falling behind in Mon Valley townsMVI 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 […]
Read More Laid off? Don’t wait to defer mortgage payments, counselor says