HEARTH, a nonprofit dedicated to providing housing and supportive services for mothers and children experiencing homelessness and domestic violence, is proud to share a milestone in its mission. In partnership with the Allegheny County Housing Authority (ACHA) and Your Home, HEARTH is expanding permanent housing opportunities for families, with one such placement in February 2025.
This moment marks a life-changing step for Shannon, a HEARTH graduate who has overcome addiction and homelessness to rebuild a stable future for herself and her two children. Thanks to Your Home, a generous HEARTH supporter, Shannon’s new apartment has been fully furnished, creating a warm and welcoming home for her family.
The Allegheny County Housing Authority plays a crucial role in making affordable housing accessible to families in need throughout the county. ACHA administers housing assistance programs, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing developments, to support low- and moderate-income residents. Through partnerships with organizations like HEARTH, ACHA helps ensure that vulnerable families have not only a roof over their heads but also access to resources that promote long-term stability and independence. The collaboration between ACHA and HEARTH strengthens the network of support available to mothers and children working to overcome homelessness, providing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions.
“This moment is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when organizations and community members come together. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with Shannon and her family,” said Rich Stephenson, COO/CFO of Allegheny County Housing Authority. “The Allegheny County Housing Authority is committed to expanding housing opportunities and working alongside organizations like HEARTH to help families transition into permanent, supportive homes.”
The Your Home initiative, coordinated by Mary Murray, is a volunteer service that works with HEARTH’s graduating program participants. Volunteers collect donated items from the community to help families transform their new houses into welcoming homes.
The Your Home team came on a Sunday morning, furnished and decorated Shannon’s new home, and had it ready for her and her family to move into by that afternoon. Alongside representatives from all three groups and District 8 Council Representative Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, Shannon and her family saw their fully furnished home for the first time.
Pictured: Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, Reagan Mickey, Dr. Bev Moore, Kim Evans, Christy Pietryga, Kyona Newsome, Richard Stephenson, Morgan Cable, Diane Bickford, Mary Murray, EdD, LAT, ATC, Rob Murray and Mark Foerster
We are happy for Shannon and her family as they begin this exciting new chapter! This partnership exemplifies the power of community support in helping families break the cycle of homelessness and achieve long-term stability.
