NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NeighborWorks) has received a $20,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, managed by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, to support the exploration and implementation of Shared Equity Housing models in Scranton. This funding will enable NeighborWorks to build staff capacity to assess the feasibility of establishing a Community Land Trust in the area.
Shared Equity Housing models, such as Community Land Trusts, provide long-term affordability while allowing homeowners to build wealth. With approximately 44% of households in the region spending more than 30% of their income on housing, these models offer a sustainable solution to homeownership challenges.
“We truly appreciate the generous support from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation,” said Shane Powers, President & CEO. “This grant will allow us to take significant steps in exploring how Shared Equity Housing models can be implemented in the region.”
The funding will enable NeighborWorks to assess community housing needs, identify the most suitable Shared Equity Housing model, develop program structures and educate residents about the benefits of shared equity homeownership. Key goals include engaging community members in a needs assessment, launching community education efforts, and developing strategies to increase homeownership and offer flexible housing solutions.
NeighborWorks recently co-hosted a Shared Equity Housing education session, Achieving Lasting Affordability: Tools for Creating Permanently Affordable Housing, together with the Scranton Area Community Foundation and NeighborWorks America in February. This event, which was attended by around 40 community partners, provided an overview of Shared Equity Housing models and facilitated a discussion on how these innovative solutions can help address housing challenges across the region.
These efforts build on a collaborative effort that began in 2023, with partners including the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the City of Scranton, the Scranton Redevelopment Authority, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Lackawanna County Land Bank.
Pictured left to right: Brad Reid, Philanthropy Manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Shane Powers, President & CEO, NeighborWorks; Todd Pousley, Director of Community Development, NeighborWorks; and Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants and Scholarships, Scranton Area Community Foundation.
