ALLENTOWN, Pa., April 11 — Today, U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie joined the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank), the Allentown Blueprint Communities® team, Allentown officials, local businesses and community organizations to tour and celebrate the Blueprint Communities community development progress and ceremonial presentation of $2.7 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grants.
Allentown is one of the ten Pennsylvania Blueprint Communities welcomed into the 2024 cohort; each community completes a unique 18-month training program focused on community revitalization. Blueprint Communities, an initiative of FHLBank, has supported the development of local leadership, collaboration across sectors, and holistic planning in 38 communities in Pennsylvania, and 74 communities across FHLBank’s three-state district of Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia since 2005.
Allentown’s Blueprint Communities team is revitalizing Allentown neighborhoods through a dedicated community strategic plan and engaging local residents, businesses, nonprofits and government entities. The Blueprint Communities initiative focuses on building strong local leadership, enhancing collaboration, and boosting development capacity to breathe new life into participating communities.
“Increasing the supply of high-quality affordable housing remains one of Allentown’s most critical needs,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. “That’s why we’re taking action to improve housing affordability, including expanding the Low-income Housing Tax Credit, bringing money back to our community to enable local housing construction, and introducing legislation to reduce barriers to home ownership. We’re grateful to FHLBank Pittsburgh and their local partners for investing in the housing affordability solutions that local families need.”
FHLBank and two of its member institutions – Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley and American Bank – leveraged AHP funding to invest in several Allentown housing developments. The Allentown Housing Authority 6th Street project involves the construction of eight family rental units. The Gordon Street Revamp is the renovation and preservation of a 20-unit affordable housing development.
“Today, we celebrate the collective efforts in Allentown that are making a difference for our community,” said David G. Paulson, president and CEO of FHLBank Pittsburgh. “We are honored to partner with our members to support community development and affordable housing initiatives. We extend our gratitude to Congressman Mackenzie for the collaboration that enables FHLBanks to provide this essential support.”
“The Blueprint Communities program has already allowed us to support the larger revitalization efforts in Allentown with specific housing initiatives,” said Judy Hunsicker, COO of Embassy Bank and co-chair of Allentown’s Blueprint Community. “We are thankful to FHLBank Pittsburgh and all our stakeholders who have supported this essential effort, and look forward to supporting affordable housing initiatives for many more years.”
“We’re proud to support the worthwhile projects that are a part of the Blueprint Communities program as they reflect our commitment to strengthening the City of Allentown and expanding access to safe, affordable housing,” said Mark Jaindl, chairman and CEO of American Bank. “By partnering through FHLBank Pittsburgh’s Affordable Housing Program, we’re helping transform properties into places of stability and providing opportunity for families who need it most. These projects create a lasting, positive impact for the entire community.”
“Allentown is in high demand. People want to be here to enjoy a safe, clean and healthy environment that gives them a chance to get ahead,” said Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk. “Building more housing protects that opportunity, and partnerships like this one help us do that.”
In addition to Rep. Mackenzie and FHLBank President and CEO David G. Paulson, FHLBank financial institution members joined, including FHLBank Board Chair Brendan J. McGill, president and CEO of Harleysville Bank, and FHLBank Board Member Jeane M. Vidoni, president and CEO of Penn Community Bank, along with John Hayes, New Tripoli Bank; Joan Brodhead, Finanta; and Judith Hunsicker, Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley. Members of FHLBank’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council in attendance were Varsovia Fernandez, Dina Schlossberg, and Christine M. Verdier. Local executive leaders attending included Julio Guridy, Allentown Housing Authority; Ellen Larmer, Valley Housing Development Corporation; and Kevin Shivers, Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers.
