A Partnership for Lasting Change: HEARTH, Allegheny County Housing Authority, and Your Home
At HEARTH, we believe that a safe place is the foundation for a brighter future. Our partnerships with the Allegheny County Housing Authority and Your Home are making that future possible for families who have overcome significant trauma. Together, we’re not just providing temporary housing—we’re creating homes and opening doors to generational change.
For 30 years, HEARTH has supported mothers and children who have experienced homelessness and domestic violence, offering not only housing but also vital services like therapy, career support, and financial education. Families can stay at HEARTH for one to two years, gaining the skills and stability needed to secure permanent housing. Our dedicated team works alongside families every step of the way, ensuring they leave HEARTH ready to thrive.
Now, thanks to our new partnership with the Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA), HEARTH families have even greater opportunities for independence. Families can now use a tenant-based housing voucher to move into single-family homes across Allegheny County, providing them with a critical next step toward homeownership. These homes, acquired by ACHA 25 years ago, were originally intended to help families build a better future—and today, they are fulfilling that promise in a new way.
But a house is more than four walls—it’s a place of comfort and belonging. That’s where Your Home comes in. This incredible initiative, led by Mary Murray, transforms empty houses into warm, fully furnished homes. Mary personally measures each space, gets to know the family, and carefully curates every detail to reflect their needs and personalities.
Move-In Day is nothing short of magic: at 9:00 AM the house is empty. By 11:30 AM, volunteers are putting the finishing touches on furniture, decorations, and essentials. Within just a few hours, the home is beautifully complete—ready for the family to begin their next chapter.
A family receives a new home
Serena Sloane and her family moved into their new home on March 29, 2025 and WPXI was there to capture it all.
This partnership is a testament to what’s possible when organizations come together to break the cycle of homelessness. Rich Stevenson, Acting Executive Director of the Allegheny County Housing Authority, has been instrumental in ensuring that these homes serve their original purpose—providing not just housing, but a strong foundation.
Together, we’re not just providing temporary housing—we’re creating homes and opening doors to generational change.
– Christy Pietryga, CEO of HEARTH
We are so proud of what we’ve built together and can’t wait to welcome more families into their forever homes. Thank you to ACHA, Your Home, many volunteers, and our HEARTH team for making this possible. This collaboration will impact lives for generations to come.