Community Comment: Pennsylvania’s housing crisis can’t wait for long-term solutions; mobile initiatives can bridge the gap

December 10, 2024 | by George Fernandez

George Fernandez

If you drive 10 miles in any direction around the Greater Harrisburg region, you are likely to find new developments adding a combined thousands of homes to the market. While this may seem like a sign of growth and vitality, it is not the whole picture.

Here’s the hard truth. Pennsylvania is amid a significant low-income housing crisis. Our commonwealth faces a shortfall of approximately 265,537 affordable rental homes for extremely low-income households, those earning less than 30% of the area median income. Additionally, more than 13,000 individuals across Pennsylvania are experiencing homelessness. This includes individuals in shelters and those living unsheltered.

The price point of most homes presently on the market is far out of reach for those who have the greatest need for housing. And for those who stretch and sacrifice to get into a home, nearly 72% of these households are severely cost-burdened, spending more than half their income on rent. This situation often forces trade-offs, such as cutting back on food or healthcare to meet housing costs.

This is just one piece of the complex puzzle of Pennsylvania’s housing crisis and the problem impacts far more than just those seeking affordable housing. The effects ripple into our economy, workforce, healthcare and educational systems. Additionally, the broader housing crisis in Pennsylvania includes rising housing costs, declining homeownership, and increasing rental demand. It is estimated that the commonwealth needs at least 100,000 additional housing units to meet current demands.

I commend Governor Shapiro for initiating steps to address these challenges, such as the Housing Action Plan, which aims to increase affordable housing supply, support vulnerable populations, and repair aging homes. However, these efforts will require significant time to yield changes. To bridge the gap, we need more initiatives that are readily available and quick to execute to meet the needs of our unhoused communities.

One such initiative is preparing to launch in the central Pennsylvania region in 2025. Instead of breaking ground, Latino Connection’s mobile shower trailer is taking to the streets to meet the most urgent needs of those experiencing homelessness. This unique trailer is equipped to provide showers, haircuts, basic hygiene and nourishment to bridge the gap until more permanent housing solutions can be established. By extending and complementing the efforts of local shelters, and quite literally driving into the heart of areas where such services are most needed, this innovative concept is one small but powerful step in the right direction.

We must remember that, when someone lacks access to affordable housing, there are always dynamic factors at play. Housing is one important piece of the solution, but it doesn’t address the full problem if that person is barely able to scrape by beyond the cost of rent. It takes more than just a roof over our heads to live a fulfilling life. Therefore, it takes collaboration from the whole community to uplift those in need.

While I am encouraged by the number of opportunities for affordable housing projects, many are years away from completion and won’t fully satisfy current demand. That’s why, in tandem, we must create and support more holistic resources that support the basic needs of our underserved and unhoused community right now. Shelters, food banks and mobile initiatives are playing an invaluable role in supporting our entire socioeconomic vitality!

George Fernandez is founder and CEO of Fernandez Realty Affordable Homes, as well as Latino Connection,

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At meeting, council extends tax abatement program for developers; senior center petitions for city funds

December 10, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

The Heinz-Menaker Senior Center

Harrisburg City Council has extended the city’s tax abatement program for another year, while weighing a plea for financial support for a senior center.

On Monday, City Council approved the extension of the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Abatement (LERTA) program, which gives tax break incentives to developers, while also questioning its success.

“We want time to be able to convene a committee, that will involve council as well, to talk about the LERTA, whether the LERTA has been as successful as we want it to be over the last 10 years,” said Gloria Martin-Roberts, interim director of building and housing development. “We need a year to just have that meeting to give us some time to be able to come up with a better LERTA.”

The city’s program was first approved by council in 2015, giving developers 100% tax abatement for 10 years for residential renovations and construction. Commercial and mixed-use projects were eligible for 50-100% abatement. However, to qualify, the city imposed certain requirements on new construction and commercial buildings, such as employing 15% minority businesses and 15% city-resident workers, and paying prevailing wage.

Over the years, the effectiveness of LERTA has been questioned by developers, some who say the requirements significantly raise the project cost, and city officials who see low numbers of developers erecting new buildings opting in.

At Monday’s meeting, Jason Graves, director of economic development for the city, shared that, in the past three years, only 43 out of 426 eligible projects applied for LERTA.

By extending the program, which was set to expire Dec. 31, officials said the city will have more time to move current applicants through the process, while brainstorming ways to improve LERTA.

Council voted 6-1 in favor of the extension, with council member Shamaine Daniels voting against it.

“There is a lot of work that needs to be done, and we do need the partnerships and it does need to be revamped, and the economic environment we are in is significantly different from the one we were in in 2015,” Daniels said. “So, giving us this time to work on a better bill is more valuable than simply extending something that’s kind of halfway working.”

Also on Monday, several staff and supporters of the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center in Harrisburg spoke during public comment on a city proposal to award the center a significant grant. They explained that, without the money, the center may close.

At a November council meeting, the city proposed awarding the senior center $250,000 of its share of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that it received as COVID relief.

In March, council voted to move a large chunk of its multi-million grant into the city’s general fund, but earmarked portions of the money for specific uses. One of those allocations was the $250,000 for senior programming.

While the city administration has proposed giving 100% of that allocation to the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center, claiming it’s the only senior center in the city, council pushed back on the idea. Several council members said that they believe there should’ve been a process for organizations to apply for the money. Some council members also suggested that the way the proposal was introduced to council wasn’t fully transparent, as the allocation was lumped into another resolution for budget reallocations.

“This isn’t questions we are asking just particularly of the Heinz senior center, we’ve asked these process questions as far the ARPA money about every program,” said council member Ausha Green.

At that meeting, council members also questioned whether Martin-Roberts, the department head, was on the senior center’s board of directors.

Sheila Dow Ford, speaking on behalf of the center, has since said that Martin-Roberts was previously on the board, but has not been since she has been a city employee.

Ultimately, council decided to remove the allocation for Heinz-Menaker from the resolution.

In a press release following the November meeting, the city held their position that Heinz-Menaker was the only “viable contender” for the money. They stated that, out of four senior centers listed on Dauphin County’s website, Heinz Menaker was the only one certified by the county and city and providing social, cultural and health-related services.

At Monday’s meeting, Les Ford of Heinz-Menaker said that, without the money, the center would not be able to continue operations.

“We don’t have funding to go beyond Dec. 31,” said Ford. “If we don’t get some additional funding from somewhere, by the 31st of December, we are in no position to continue to operate.”

After hearing comments from Heinz Menaker supporters, council member Jocelyn Rawls said that she isn’t against giving the center money, but rather has concerns about how the decision was made.

“It was never that I didn’t think you all deserved funding, that wasn’t it,” Rawls said. “My concern was, why is it that Heinz Menaker Senior Center was the only senior center to get the $250,000? They were going to get all of it.”

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Home sales dipped, prices rose in greater Harrisburg area in November, says report

December 10, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

A house under contract in Harrisburg

Harrisburg-area home sales ticked down, but prices crept higher in November, according to the latest report on previously owned houses.

For the three-county region, 474 homes sold compared to 492 in November 2023, as the median sales price rose to $275,000 from $259,500, said the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 214 houses sold, a drop from 250 a year ago, while the median sales price grew to $250,000 from $235,000, GHAR said.

Cumberland County had 240 home sales, up from 214 in the year-ago period, as the median price increased to $314,297 from $302,000 in November 2023, according to GHAR.

In Perry County, 18 houses sold compared to 32 sales the prior November, and the median price rose to $237,500 from $205,000, GHAR stated.

In November, the pace of sales slowed, as the “average days on market” increased to 28 days versus 22 days in the year-ago period, GHAR said.

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Harrisburg High School football player named as top student athlete for PA

December 9, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

One local student athlete has been recognized nationally for his talents.

The Harrisburg School District on Friday shared that Gatorade has named high schooler Messiah Mickens as the 2024-25 Gatorade Football Player of the Year for Pennsylvania.

Gatorade Player of the Year celebrates high school athletes for their success on the field, in the classroom and in the community, the district shared. The program annually recognizes one winner in each state across 12 high school sports.

Mickens, a 5-foot-11, 205-pound junior defensive end and running back, recorded 81 tackles and 16.5 sacks this past season, leading his team to the Class 6A state semifinals, according to the district. Mickens also compiled 39 tackles for loss and logged 21 quarterback hurries, also forcing two fumbles. On offense, he ran for 1,214 yards and 21 touchdowns and caught 17 passes for 235 yards and two scores, the district said.

Mickens has maintained a 3.34 GPA and made a verbal commitment to receive athletic aid to play football at Penn State University beginning in the fall of 2026, according to the district. He has also volunteered at his grandmother’s church and as a youth football coach and mentor.

For the past two years, players from nearby Bishop McDevitt High School have won the award for the state.

Mickens, and all awarded players of the year, will receive a grant to donate to a social impact partner.

For more information about Gatorade’s Player of the Year program, visit their website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

December 6, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

CASA “Giving Tree” lighting ceremony in Linglestown

This week in Harrisburg we covered everything from milkshake announcements to art to city government happenings. If you missed any of our coverage, you can find it, below.

Bethesda Mission will hold its annual Christmas at Italian Lake Festival on Dec. 14, our online story reported. The event will serve as a fundraiser for the mission and includes live music, food trucks, Santa and more.

Bob’s Art Blog spotlights the perfect local galleries to visit to find one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts for those on your list. Check out his suggestions, here.

December’s Community Corner features special holiday events taking place around Harrisburg. For even more local festivities, check out our Happenings section.

Harrisburg announced its new communications director, after a few months of vacancy, our online story reported. Mischelle Moyer will take the role, bringing two decades of experience in the field, according to the city.

Historic Harrisburg Association is holding its annual Candlelight House Tour on Dec. 8, our magazine story reported. Attendees can view homes in Bellevue Park, Uptown and the Capitol district.

Linglestown Area Civic Association and Dauphin County Court Appointed Special Advocate Program joined together to light the CASA “Giving Tree,” our online story reported. At the same time, CASA also launched its 2024 “Giving Tree” fundraising campaign.

Musical Notes highlights festive live music performances happening this month in the Harrisburg area. Take a look, here.

The PA Dairymen’s Association this week announced its new mint milkshake flavor for the year, our online story reported. The news comes with just a month left until the 2025 PA Farm Show, where plenty of shakes will be served.

Our publisher, in his column, chews on the question: Is news worth paying for? He talks to the owner of a new local news site to get his take on the question.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup is decked out with local holiday happenings, here.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Community members ask Harrisburg School District to allow nonprofit to remain at Allison Hill farm

December 6, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Tannon Herman, executive director of Wildheart Ministries (left) and a student at The Hill Farm.

Community members are pushing back against a recent Harrisburg School District decision to cut ties with a city nonprofit.

Local residents and staff of Wildheart Ministries in Allison Hill spoke out on Tuesday against the district’s decision to halt the nonprofit’s operations on a district-owned farm property.

Since May 2023, the district has leased its property at 213 S. 18^th St., formerly known as the Joshua Farm, to Wildheart, which proposed a plan to operate the land and provide educational opportunities for students.

According to Wildheart officials, they’ve used the land, which they’ve called The Hill Farm, to grow produce, host educational programming for youth and hold community farmers markets in partnership with Hamilton Health Center.

At a Nov. 26 meeting, district receiver Dr. Lori Suski terminated the lease agreement with Wildheart. At the meeting, the district had also proposed declaring the property as unnecessary in order to move toward selling it. However, Suski removed that piece of the resolution after board members expressed interest in keeping the land.

At the November meeting, Suski did not explain why the contract with Wildheart was terminated despite the district deciding to retain the land, only stating that it would “free up the opportunity for the district to assess what it wants to do with the property.” When reached by TheBurg this week, the district spokesperson declined to comment for the story, saying Suski would not be available for comment until later this month.

According to Executive Director Tannon Herman, Wildheart was not aware that the agreement was on the chopping block until after the meeting.

At this week’s meeting, he and other Wildheart staff, volunteers and community members asked the district to rethink the decision.

“In my community, they help us tremendously,” said resident Brian Humphrey. “We want to keep them because they make the quality of life in our community better […] I can’t believe that you would even think of taking that farm from them. Whoever made that decision ought to be embarrassed.”

The contract was terminated once before, briefly in June 2023, due to concerns over the way the organization was using the property. At the time, Suski said that she had concerns about safety and potential liabilities based on information and photographs she was provided by community members. She also said that she had received a letter of protest from another entity that had submitted a proposal in response to the district’s Request for Proposals (RFP), and that the district received numerous Right-to-Know requests in regard to the contract with Wildheart. She said that based on the safety concerns and the amount of time and effort it was taking the district to respond to Right-to-Knows, the district determined it was best to end the agreement.

However, the contract was reinstated the following August after Suski learned that Wildheart had received a federal grant for the farm. The agreement extended through Dec. 31, 2024, noting that the agreement could continue for an additional year unless the district decided to terminate it.

Herman told TheBurg that he believed the district received “false information surrounding claims of unsafe practices” at the farm. He said Wildheart provided evidence to the contrary to the district.

Herman shared that Wildheart welcomed over 500 students to the farm this year, a large majority of whom were Harrisburg School District students. The Hill Farm also produced 5,500 pounds of produce, which was sold at its regular farmers market, held in partnership with Hamilton Health Center, he said. Several Hamilton Health officials also attended Tuesday’s board meeting to speak in support of Wildheart.

Wildheart officials said that they’ve received and shared with the district hundreds of community letters of support and petition signatures. They’ve also received several state- and federally-funded grants for the property.

“I’m standing here on behalf of the youth of this city, youth who don’t oftentimes have an opportunity to eat decent food […] That should be a right that everyone has, but oftentimes it’s a right that has been overlooked in this city. But it’s a right that has been serviced by Wildheart Ministry and this farm,” said one community member.

Herman asked that, at the very least, Wildheart be given an extension to the date that the termination goes into effect, Dec. 31, to ensure they have time to remove equipment.

“If they have plans to better utilize the space to have a greater impact, we are in full support of that!” Herman told TheBurg. “We are obviously very invested (as are our many community partners like Penn State Extension, Hamilton Health Center, Dauphin County NRCS, Downey Student Council and a few other student programs operating within the district) and believe in the significance of the work being done there, but we’re team players and all about loving and serving our neighbors!”

Updated on 12/13 to include link to petition.

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Bethesda Mission to light up Italian Lake with annual Christmas festival

December 5, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

2023 Christmas at Italian Lake Festival. Photo courtesy of Bethesda Mission.

At an upcoming event, families can celebrate the holidays while supporting a good cause.

Bethesda Mission announced that it will hold its annual Christmas at Italian Lake Festival on Dec. 14, featuring music, vendors, food and a visit from Santa.

The annual event helps bring in funds for the mission, which assists the homeless at its men’s and women’s shelters and provides programming for youth.

The festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is free to attend, but offers certain events that require purchased tickets, such as Santa’s Grotto and horse-drawn carriage rides. All proceeds benefit Bethesda.

Other festival happenings include live music and dance performances, a market of local vendors, a petting zoo, a s’mores station, crafts, food trucks, a movie showing and more. There will also be a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m.

For more information about the Christmas at Italian Lake Festival, visit their website.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

December 5, 2024 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Haute Holiday Skin Rejuvenation Event at Polished; check out a new-to-you holiday light display Worth noting: Holiday Evening Stroll & Tree Lighting in Camp Hill, Historic Harrisburg’s Elegant Progressions and Candlelight House Tour; PA Christmas + Gift Show (Save $4 on tickets with code ‘SARA.’) Things on my agenda this weekend: see you in Camp Hill tonight! Maybe the HBG Flea Saturday, various holiday events Sunday, hopefully the Candlelight House Tour!

For your weekend planning

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Our last 3rd in the Burg in SoMa!! Get tickets now!
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Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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Linglestown lights holiday tree; “Giving Tree” campaign launched for CASA

December 4, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

The student chorus from Linglestown Elementary School sings after the lighting of the holiday tree.

Downtown Linglestown is decked out for the holidays.

On Tuesday night, two groups—the Linglestown Area Civic Association and Dauphin County Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA)—joined together to light the Linglestown Square holiday tree.

In conjunction with the lighting, CASA launched its 2024 “Giving Tree” fundraising campaign. Monetary donations help the group recruit, train and support community volunteers as advocates to represent the best interests of foster children and sibling groups in court.

CASA hopes to raise $50,000 from the campaign, which runs through Dec. 31.

“Our CASAs serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for the judges who decide the best placement for a foster child or sibling group,” said Will Foster, CASA executive director.

CASAs report to the court with recommendations of the best path forward, Foster said.

American Legion Post 272 presented a check to CASA.

Nearly 400 children are in county foster care with just 40 CASA volunteers to work with them. The goal is to match one CASA with each foster child to speed them to a permanent, safe and loving home, Foster said.

In addition to CASA, the tree-lighting was attended by local residents, public officials, corporate sponsors and the student chorus from Linglestown Elementary School.

Mid Penn Bank is the premier sponsor of the “Giving Tree” campaign. Additional sponsors include American Legion Post 272, the Dauphin County commissioners, Dauphin County Bar Association, Josh Schiffman, Marzzacco & Associates, Foland Mediation Services, Judy Beskid, Conrad Siegel, Schmidt Kramer, Snyder Law Firm, Lamar Advertising and Nell McCormack Abom Communications.

To donate, login online to the “Virtual Giving Tree.” Donors select from a pre-set list of suggested donation amounts and then choose a light or bauble to “decorate” the virtual tree. Donors can upload a personal message and photo, as well. They also receive a commemorative ornament designed by a foster teen served by Dauphin County

“Tonight, CASA lights up the lives of foster children through our Giving Tree,” said Carol Steinour Young, Esq., CASA board president. “I ask you to donate generously to the Giving Tree so we can bring light and hope to their futures this holiday season.”

For more information and to donate to the CASA Giving Tree fundraising campaign, visit www.DauphinCountyCASA.org/tree.

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Harrisburg announces new city communications director

December 3, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Mischelle Moyer

Harrisburg has announced a new communications director for the city.

Mischelle Moyer will fill the position, bringing with her over two decades of communications experience, according to the city.

Moyer takes the post vacated by former director Matt Maisel who resigned in September.

“I am honored to join the City of Harrisburg in this capacity,” Moyer said. “As a lifelong advocate for communication as a tool for effecting positive change, I am eager to work alongside city leadership and the residents of Harrisburg to amplify voices, celebrate our community and address challenges head-on.”

Moyer served as a communication and media consultant for the combined title agency of Keystone Land Transfer, Integrated Land Transfer, Mi Casa Land Transfer and Shamrock Settlement Services. She also served as the staff, educational and communications director for Just for Today Recovery and Veterans Support Services. She was also a featured speaker at Gov. Tom Wolf’s Opioid Command Center Summit, according to the city.

Moyer holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism with a minor in social work from Shippensburg University and a master’s degree in teaching and curriculum development and a Pennsylvania Secondary English Certification from Penn State University.

In her new role, Moyer will oversee Harrisburg’s public messaging, media relations and community outreach efforts.

“Mischelle’s exceptional background in communications, leadership and community outreach makes her the perfect choice to guide our city’s messaging and public engagement efforts,” Mayor Wanda Williams said. “Her passion and dedication to meaningful communication align perfectly with the city’s vision for transparency, growth, and collaboration.”

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Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For your weekend planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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