BREAKING: A significant step towards affordable housing in North Philadelphia is underway as a $1.7 million grant from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency has been awarded to the Women’s Community Revitalization Project (WCRP). This funding will support the urgent construction of 40 affordable homes in the struggling Fairhill neighborhood, an area where 42% of residents earn less than $25,000 annually, according to PolicyMap data.
The project, known as the Nayda Cintron Apartments, will rise on a cluster of lots located at 513-533 W. Cumberland St. and aims to address the critical need for affordable housing in a community facing the threat of gentrification. According to Lorissa Luciani, executive director of WCRP, “Without intentional affordable construction, many households and families in Fairhill will be forced to move if they cannot afford rising housing costs.”
Construction will feature three buildings comprised of two one-bedroom units, 23 two-bedroom units, and 15 three-bedroom units, with 10 homes reserved for individuals with physical disabilities. The project will provide tenants with project-based rental subsidies tied to their income, ensuring that housing remains affordable for low-income families.
WCRP anticipates completing the Nayda Cintron Apartments by early 2028, with a total project cost projected at $23.5 million. This initiative marks WCRP’s 18th affordable housing project in Philadelphia, adding to the 369 units already developed and 105 more planned or under construction across neighborhoods including Kensington and Germantown.
The grant is particularly timely as it aligns with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s ambitious $2 billion Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) initiative, which aims to create or preserve 30,000 units of affordable housing in the city over the next four years. The Parker administration is prioritizing the needs of Philadelphia’s poorest residents, focusing on those earning below the federal poverty line, projected to be $32,150 for a family of four next year.
Residents in the Fairhill area face steep housing costs, with 94% of those earning less than $50,000 spending over one-third of their income on housing—significantly higher than the city average. The new apartments will not only provide shelter but also access to supportive services covering healthcare, food, clothing, and utilities, directly impacting the community’s overall well-being.
As the city prepares to finalize the first-year budget for the HOME program by the end of this year, WCRP’s latest development stands as a beacon of hope for many families in Philadelphia. The Nayda Cintron Apartments represent a crucial effort to combat the rising tide of housing costs and ensure that Fairhill remains a viable option for its residents.
Stay tuned for more updates on this vital initiative as it progresses.
