IN Mt. Lebanon Winter 2016 | Page 12

LOOP IN THE C O N T I N U E D working smoke alarms. Newer models of smoke alarms have long-lasting batteries that do not need to be replaced, but thousands of homeowners still have models that use standard alkaline batteries that must be replaced regularly. No matter what type of smoke alarms are used in a home, they should be tested monthly. Most home fire deaths happen when people are asleep, between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. That’s why the U.S. Fire Administration recommends the installation of smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home including the basement. Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. Carbon monoxide can accumulate to hazardous levels in a short period of time, which is why it’s critical that there are working carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Just like with smoke alarms, some models use batteries and must be checked and replaced regularly. ALLEGHENY COUNTY RECEIVES $175,000 PHARE GRANT FOR ACCESSIBILITY PROGRAM Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) has received a $175,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund. The fund is administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). The grant will allow ACED to provide accessibility 10 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Mt. Lebanon modifications to residents of the county who have permanent physical disabilities with low to moderate incomes. Working with its partner, ACTION-Housing, Inc., ACED expects to be able to provide modifications for 19 households. The United Way of Allegheny County recently commissioned a study by ACTIONHousing, Inc. and Regional Housing Legal Services that helped define this gap. According to data from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development and PHFA, there are twice as many Allegheny County residents with a disability than housing units to serve them. Every accessible modification will preserve a unit of affordable housing, allow the resident of that unit to stay in a housing situation that is safe and comfortable, and prevent any further stress on an already inadequate supply of affordable housing. “We are thankful to PHFA for providing the $175,000 in PHARE funds that will enable us to work with our partner ACTION-Housing, Inc.,” said ACED Director Bob Hurley. “Together, we can help make homes for Allegheny County residents with disabilities safe and sound.” Applicants for the program will need to have a clinically or medically documented disability, and all modifications will either be directly related to a) that disability, or b) a health and safety barrier that would inhibit a medically necessary modification. ACTIONHousing will work with the participants to create a scope of work that will ensure the project is completed consistent with their physical needs. The organization will also provide initial and final inspections, and oversee construction. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency made its announcement on Oct. 13, approving $6.2 million for 40 housing projects to improve the availability and affordability of housing in 29 counties. This is the fifth year for the PHARE program, which has invested more than $39 million into Pennsylvania communities, in addition to nearly $255 million of other leveraged funding. For more information, or to apply for the program, contact Andrew Shull at 412.281.2102.  ■