Housing Acquisition, Repair & Preservation (HARP) Program

The HARP Program is a direct result of the 2021 Strong Neighborhoods Planning process. As a result of extensive community input, the WCDC is committed to supporting residents of Wilkinsburg around vacant property, stabilization, and preservation needs. In June of this year, the state awarded us with a PHARE grant to expand our programming. These funds are dedicated to supporting residents with the acquisition of vacant properties as well as their homeownership and maintenance needs.

24 participants have already been selected for the 2024 program. Home repairs began in February 2024 and will continue throughout the summer with a completion date expected in the fall. For those who are still interested, we have a wait list to help us organize future program plans – please note this is not a guarantee that funding will be available or awarded to all who are interested.

HARP Interest Form

For more questions, please email evaine@wilkinsburgcdc.org with “HARP” in the subject line.

Looking to acquire vacant property?

If you are interested in acquiring a blighted and vacant property in Wilkinsburg we can advise you on the options available. For eligible VPRP applications, the WCDC may be able to contribute to the acquisition costs. Please note that many avenues for acquiring vacant property may take up to 18 months.

Have you made plans for your property?

One of the biggest contributors to blight and vacancy is the lack of long-term planning for property after an owner passes away, making it difficult for someone in the future to take over and take care of the property over time. As a result, the WCDC is partnering with local attorneys, Kalmeyer & Kalmeyer, to provide residents with free estate planning.