Congresswoman Summer Lee Celebrates Groundbreaking of Uptown Flats, a $22.8 Million Affordable Housing Project in Pittsburgh

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2024
Contact: Kyla Gill, Kyla.Gill@mail.house.gov | 412.841.7913
Vaibhav Vijay, Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov | 771.215.7243

Congresswoman Summer Lee Celebrates Groundbreaking of Uptown Flats, a $22.8 Million Affordable Housing Project in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA – Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee joined Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, local leaders, and representatives from Bethlehem Haven of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Mercy, and ACTION-Housing to celebrate the groundbreaking of Uptown Flats, a new low-income affordable housing development in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood. This $22.8 million investment brings 34 new units of affordable housing to the community, providing critical housing for formerly homeless women in need of stability and support.

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In her remarks at the event, Rep. Lee emphasized the importance of addressing Pittsburgh’s housing crisis with bold action and collaboration, stating, “We’re here today because we recognize the urgency of the housing crisis. As of January 2024, over 1,000 people in Allegheny County were experiencing homelessness. Uptown Flats is part of the solution—34 new units of affordable housing for women who have experienced homelessness. It’s a $22.8 million investment, but more importantly, it’s an investment in human dignity, safety, and stability. This building offers hope and opportunity for the women who will live here, and it represents our commitment to addressing this crisis head-on.”

Rep. Lee also pointed to the larger housing supply gap in Pittsburgh, with a shortage of over 11,000 units for families earning 50% of the area median income or less. “We have to be bold in building new housing and rehabilitating the homes we already have. This is about ensuring that Pittsburgh remains a city where everyone—no matter their income—has a place to call home,” she added.

Mayor Gainey echoed these sentiments, stating, “Today’s groundbreaking of Uptown Flats represents not just an investment in housing but an investment in the future of our city. We must continue to work together to ensure that every Pittsburgher has access to safe and affordable housing.”

The Uptown Flats project reflects a collaborative effort among local organizations and government, working together to create accessible, affordable housing in a region facing significant housing challenges. The building will serve as a safe, supportive environment for formerly homeless women, helping them to rebuild their lives and establish long-term stability.

The project is part of Pittsburgh’s broader commitment to addressing its housing needs, focusing on creating affordable, accessible housing options for all residents. With Uptown Flats, the city takes a significant step forward in tackling the growing housing crisis and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to safe, affordable homes.