HEARTH, formerly North Hills Affordable Housing, is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide a range of supportive services and housing that empowers homeless women with children, who are survivors of domestic violence or other trauma, to become independent, economically self-sufficient, and adequately housed.

1989

The organization was founded in 1989 after a group of service providers in northern Allegheny County identified affordable housing as the foremost-unmet need in the area. Identifying its first project, the development of transitional housing for women and children in crisis in Allegheny County, the group raised almost $1 million to renovate two floors of the former St. Benedict’s Academy in Ross Township into 15 self-contained apartments!

1995

This transitional housing program opened its doors in June of 1995 to homeless women with children who desired to become economically self-sufficient.

1997

In 1997 North Hills Affordable Housing became HEARTH (Homelessness Ends with Advocacy, Resources, Training and Housing). Shortly after the organization opened its doors, it became apparent that most of the 15 families the agency was serving were coming from domestic violence situations. Now twenty-five years later, the agency recognizes that domestic violence is the most common cause of homelessness for women with children and HEARTH has clarified its mission specifically to serve this vulnerable population.

After more than 15 years in St. Benedict’s Academy, HEARTH had to relocate due to the sale of the property. HEARTH had decided to purchase the former “Zoar Home” property in Shaler Township and renovate the buildings on the premises to become the permanent home. HEARTH was able to gain community support and funding to renovate the abandoned property which added a community revitalization effort. In turn, providing support back to those in the community and surrounding areas who needed HEARTH most.

2013

In May, 2013, HEARTH moved into our new home in Shaler Township, where we can now serve 20 families in two- and three-bedroom apartments (transitional and permanent affordable housing) in a suburban setting.

HEARTH at Benet Woods is a $2.8 million development that provides 11 attractive, permanent, affordable rental housing below market rate for working individuals and families who earn between $25,000-$38,000 annually. Benet Woods was created in 2011 and is the first permanent affordable family housing development in Ross Township, adjacent to HEARTH’s previous location at Benedictine Place.