PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — More affordable homes are coming to West Philadelphia thanks to the city's Turn the Key program, which helps put vacant, publicly owned land back into use.
City officials and developers broke ground Monday on a new development in Haddington that will provide 36 new, affordable condominiums and single-family homes, making the dream of home ownership in the area within reach for many who otherwise would not be able to afford it.
Angel Rodriguez is with the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation and is executive director of the Philadelphia Land Bank.
He says more than 725 homes have been approved and 223 are under construction.
Prices for the condos and homes will not exceed $250,000.
Henrietta Penny Allen says this is exactly what her late husband, Pastor James Allen of Vine Memorial Baptist Church, envisioned for the community.
"His vision was always to help people in whatever way that he could and especially as far as housing as far as people being safe," she said.
Applicants can apply for Philly First Home grants of up to $10,000.