On the 200-block of Hummel Street sat a collection of eyesores—a situation too common in urban communities like Harrisburg.
The houses were dilapidated, a detriment to the neighborhood’s appearance, and they occupied precious space that could accommodate a portion of the city’s homeless population.
Two Harrisburg organizations stepped up to breathe new life into this neglected part of the city. In Extreme Home Makeover-style, PinnacleHealth and Brethren Housing Association (BHA) are rehabbing homes that fell into disrepair and are building modern, clean amenities for families in need that will call the townhouses home.
Back in January, PinnacleHealth, BHA and city officials broke ground on Hummel Street, where they will transform six blighted buildings into five modern houses for homeless single mothers and their children. This cooperative effort is hugely significant for Harrisburg’s homeless and BHA’s work.
“We have just dealt with an overwhelming amount of people calling and asking for help, but we are at maximum capacity,” says BHA Executive Director Steve Schwartz, explaining that, because the organization only has 16 apartments, it has been forced to turn away between 100 and 150 families. “To be able to help five more families, we will increase our traditional housing capacity by 25 percent.”
The project began after major players of both organizations began discussing how they could work together for a good cause. “Wouldn’t it be nice to develop something really meaningful that impacts our community directly?’” says Phil Guarnescelli, COO of PinnacleHealth, reflecting on how their partnership began.
At the time, Guarnescelli was successfully managing $308 million in construction and renovation projects, so BHA staff members felt that his experience and connections could be helpful with their rehab projects.
When Guarnescelli visited BHA, he became inspired to do the project, in which the organizations would gather contractors to donate labor and materials to the cause and unveil a completely rehabbed, attractive final product.
“As we walked out of the front door of our office, [Guarnescelli] looked at the dilapidated building across the street and said ‘like that building there; we would love to take that and turn it into housing for homeless families.’ Phil’s enthusiasm continued, and he got the leadership of PinnacleHealth on board,” says Schwartz. “By the summer of 2013, we were in the midst of a design process with Murray Associates, who agreed to donate their services as architect to the project.”
Then this last fall, the organization worked on acquiring the properties, which was tedious at times, as some of the owners live out of town and were difficult to track down. After PinnacleHealth purchased the homes, Guarnescelli got in contact with Michael Young, president and CEO of PinnacleHealth, who linked him with contractors that work closely with the non-profit. In March, demolition got underway.
Reynolds Construction, Pyramid Construction, McClure Company, GR Sponaugle & Sons, Edwin L. Heim Co., Murray Associates, Macri Concrete, Pennsy Supply, H. Edward Black & Associates and Carter Lumber have all signed on to donate time, labor, services and materials to the project. In addition, Benedict Dubbs, principal at Murray Associates, has worked on the demolition and architecture plans pro bono.
“Everybody stepped up to the plate and helped out,” says Guarnescelli.
Construction of the $925,000 project began this spring, and, within six months, BHA and PinnacleHealth expect to have the five townhouses finished. Once the homes are up, BHA will continue to provide rehabilitated housing in Allison Hill to help women and children transition out of homelessness.
BHA places families in their homes through referrals from local shelters, which can accommodate people for only about 30 days. Others either call the organization or walk into their offices seeking help. For families with long-term problems, BHA assists them for a year or two, working on the issues that made them homeless.
“This project is so cool. What really turned me on to it was the ‘teach a man to fish’ [philosophy],” says Guarnescelli.
This is the sentiment that BHA brings to the project. BHA works with its clients to develop career plans, gain job skills, obtain an education and increase skills in parenting and budgeting.
“The more young moms with their kids in a stable upbringing, [the healthier they will be],” says Schwartz.
This partnership is a natural fit for both organizations, as they independently support the health and wellness of the people in their community. Guarnescelli says that PinnacleHealth has a major interest in supporting families in need. “These are the kids we will be taking care of, and our goal is to keep people out of the hospital,” he says.
These organizations highlight what people can do when they’re invested in elevating the community that they love.
“There are a lot of committed people in this neighborhood who are concerned about the decline in Allison Hill,” says Schwartz. “This is a really transformative project. This is going to be a neighborhood centerpiece when it is done.”
Lend a Hand
Interested in pitching in to make this a successful project?
For cash contributions, please make out checks to Brethren Housing Association and mail to Hummel Street Townhouses, 219 Hummel St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17104.
Contractors interested in donating skills, time or materials should contact Dana Klinepeter at 717-782-3168.
