WCHA receives prestigious award at PAHRA fall conference
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at the fall conference of the Pennsylvania Association of Housing and Redevelopment Agencies (PAHRA) awarded the Westmoreland County Housing Authority with the prestigious Bellamy Award for WCHA’s FSS (Financial Self-Sufficiency) Asset Building Initiative.
“I am both humbled and honored to accept the Bellemy Award on behalf of WCHA’s FSS program and Asset Building Initiative!” said Michael L. Washowich, WCHA CEO / Executive Director. “I want to thank the PHFA (Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency) for partnering with us and believing in the work that we do.”
He added, “I also want to thank PAHRA for the work that they do and for honoring us tonight.”
In addition, Washowich thanked the WCHA Board of Commissioners for their “unwavering support and leadership that trickles down to our 120 employees.”
Our mission for our families and working disabled must be geared towards helping them experience upward mobility, ultimately getting out of subsidized housing – our FSS program Asset Building Initiative does just that, Washowich stated.
WCHA’s FSS program with PHFA support started the Asset Building Initiative in 2025.
The program focused on:
- Breaking financial barriers – We have 166 current enrollees in FSS.
- The program emphasizes job retention through savings and financial security.
- It targeted credit improvement and debt reduction.
- Home ownership remains a potential goal. To date WCHA’s FSS program has assisted 86 families become homeowners in Westmoreland County. Six within the past year.
“I must congratulate the participants for their hard work and dedication,” he said. “But I must also recognize WCHA FSS staff for their efforts and commitment to helping the participants experience upward mobility.”
The Bellamy Award is the highest recognition from PAHRA for outstanding achievement in affordable housing, community revitalization, and innovative service delivery. Each year, PAHRA selects two agencies for this honor, recognizing projects that demonstrate excellence in design, progressive operations, customer service, or lasting community impact.
WCHA also was presented with a Best Practices award for its Church View Senior Residences, a 20-unit senior development located in Mt. Pleasant Township, PA.