PEC News / Events

PEC Opens First Mixed Use Development - Fattah Homes

Development Offers Housing for Homeless Families and Commercial Opportunities

PHILADELPHIA- Congressman Chaka Fattah, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Deborah McColloch, director of the Office of Housing and Community Development, joined Farah Jimenez, the executive director of People’s Emergency Center (PEC), to celebrate the opening of Fattah Homes, a mixed-use development of affordable housing and commercial space. The development consists of six homes for chronically homeless families with special needs and 1,650 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Fattah Homes transforms formerly vacant lots at 4017-19 Lancaster Avenue and 612-14 North 40th Street in the Mantua section of West Philadelphia.

Developed by People’s Emergency Center Community Development Corporation (PECCDC), Fattah Homes is named after Congressman Fattah, who is a long-time champion of PEC and a strong supporter of economic growth efforts throughout West Philadelphia. Fattah Homes is part of PECCDC\'s revitalization strategy, which has already included developments in the Mantua, West Powelton, and Saunders Park neighborhoods.

Congressman Fattah said, “I am truly honored to have this important development named in my honor. It has been rewarding to work with PEC and PECCDC, who have been leading the way in the transformation of West Philadelphia and are truly developing properties with community needs in mind. I commend PEC for building a sustainable and stable environment for families to thrive and succeed in.”

Fattah Homes will expand the supply of permanent supportive housing for homeless families, while aiding mothers recovering from substance abuse or who have a family member with a physical or mental disability to achieve self-sufficiency. In addition to housing assistance, PEC will provide support services to the residents to foster independent living including case management, parenting and life skills programs, child care, and welfare-to-work programs.

Councilwoman Blackwell said, “I commend PEC for providing a full support system for its residents, including a stable, quality home and supportive care. This combination is important in helping families to become self-sufficient.”

“There is a great need for affordable housing for homeless families in Philadelphia,” said Deborah McColloch. “Fattah Homes helps to meet this need and revitalize the neighborhood. The City is proud to support this important development.”

Fattah Homes consists of three 3-bedroom units, two 2-bedroom units and one 4-bedroom unit and will serve a total of six women and their children. One unit is accessible for people with physical disabilities, two units are “visitable,” and one unit is accessible to persons with vision or hearing impairments. All residents must earn below 50% of the area median income ($35,250 for a family of three).

Farah Jimenez, executive director of PEC said, “We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of Fattah Homes. This residence accomplishes two important tasks – it promotes independence for the resident families and builds and strengthens the community. We are appreciative of all of our funders and supporters who partnered to make this critical development a reality.”

Dainette Mintz, director, Office of Supportive Housing for the City of Philadelphia said, “Fattah Homes helps meet the urgent need for housing options for homeless families in Philadelphia. This development will help its residents build strong futures for themselves and their families.”

Sustainability was a priority in the planning of Fattah Homes and the development is on track to become LEED certified. PECCDC used locally-sourced materials and recycled construction waste when feasible. The buildings utilize high-efficiency features to reduce energy use, and tenants and building managers are being trained in how to operate the buildings to maximize efficiency.

Fattah Homes was made possible by strong support from the City of Philadelphia. The city supported the $2.5 million development with $1.4 million in HOME, Philadelphia Housing Trust Fund, and Supportive Housing Program funds. Additional funding sources include $550,000 from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, $118,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, $90,000 from Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh Affordable Housing Program, a TD Banknorth Grant of $25,000, a Local Initiative Support Corporation Grant of $25,000, and a Home Depot Grant of $3,000.

The Philadelphia Department of Commerce provided $250,000 for the commercial space portion of the development.

“This development will play an important role in the economic development of West Philadelphia,” said Kevin Dow, chief operating officer, City of Philadelphia Commerce Department. “This initiative will create jobs, promote commercial activity and further revitalize Lancaster Avenue.”

PECCDC is currently in discussion with commercial tenants to occupy the 1,650 square feet of ground-floor space.

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