Tri-County Housing’s Affordable Housing Plan in Southwest Harrisburg Earns $300,000 in Funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh

HARRISBURG (December 20, 2025) The nonprofit Tri-County Housing is ending the year on a high note, with news of a grant award for $300,000 from the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.
The funding will support the North 5th Street Project in Harrisburg’s Southwest Submarket, in a proactive effort to address the dire need for affordable housing in the capital region by constructing a new affordable duplex on two vacant lots.
Tri-County’s revitalization project was among 51 proposals selected from a highly competitive pool of 160 applications.
By converting a formerly blighted site into two high-quality homes, this project aligns with local and county-wide priorities to address housing affordability, aging infrastructure, and neighborhood stabilization.
By providing high-quality, cost-effective housing, the project tackles the barriers to homeownership for low- to moderate-income households caused by rising housing costs. The duplex will offer safe, accessible, and sustainable living spaces, designed with modern standards to promote long-term affordability and energy efficiency. This development not only enhances the physical landscape, but empowers vulnerable populations by expanding access to homeownership, a critical pathway to wealth-building and economic security.
The homes are expected to be sold for $129,900.
Each unit in the duplex will offer 2,057 square feet across three floors (basement, first, and second), featuring vinyl siding, central air conditioning, modern appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, and front porches to encourage community connection. The first floor includes a living room, kitchen, half-bathroom, and laundry/mudroom, while the second floor features three bedrooms, one full bathroom, and one half-bathroom. Durable finishes, including carpeting in bedrooms and living areas and vinyl or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in kitchens and bathrooms, ensure long-term beauty and practicality.
Gary Lenker, Executive Director of the award-winning nonprofit and the owner/developer of the project, extended his gratitude to FHLBank Pittsburgh and sponsor First Commonwealth Bank. He further said he is optimistic about the future, with this infusion of new funds into a transformative project and the formal recognition of Tri-County Housing’s 35-year record of accomplishment.
To learn more about applications receiving funding, the 2025 Awardees List is included here.