Welcome to WCHA Online!

On behalf of the Westmoreland County Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners and staff, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you and to thank you for entering Westmoreland County Housing Authority’s (WCHA) web site.

As the county’s largest housing provider, we are committed to providing a safe, sound, social and physical environment for our residents. I hope the information available to you on our web site is most helpful.

Although housing remains a priority, WCHA also believes in fostering activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. WCHA proudly offers programs such as:

• Senior Net Computer Centers. These centers are located at Hempfield Towers, Lower Burrell Manor and Valley Manor. In partnership with Penn State University (PSU), PSU Technology students instruct residents in these communities on computer and internet use.
  
  
• Hope In Life (HIL). HIL is a joint venture between WCHA and St. Vincent College. The Housing Authority saw a need to offer a program of education and support services to public housing residents. This partnership with St. Vincent College Prevention Projects provides drug awareness programs, training, education, and support services to youth and adults of the community. Your HIL neighborhood centers are located within public housing communities and are staffed with caring Community Prevention Specialists assisted by resident volunteers.
  
  
• Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS). FSS was designed and created by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist Section 8 and Public Housing families in obtaining full-time employment and reducing their dependency on welfare assistance. Under the FSS program, families receive one-on-one case management to assist them in establishing training and/or employment goals. The program is voluntary and the family’s participation is limited to five years.
  
  
• Home Ownership Program. WCHA promotes and supports first-time homeownership for low-income, working families. WCHA’s Homeownership Program will move families from rental housing into an affordable home of their own. The family must meet all the requirements before the commencement of homeownership assistance.

Once again, thank you for taking time to view our web site. If you have any questions, you can call our main office to speak to the appropriate personnel.

Sincerely,

Michael L. Washowich
Executive Director

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