There were so many applicants for its newest apartment building that Project HOME held a lottery to choose its new residents. Because this development is under construction during the COVID pandemic, the lottery had to be held online, and the winner notified the following week. Peg’s Place received 331 applications for 36 of the 40 efficiency apartments. The other four units are being held for formerly homeless individuals who have been working with the Philadelphia Housing Authority. Peg’s Place offers supportive housing, and all of the residents will have access to medical and behavioral health services.
Project HOME operates nearly 1,000 units of permanent supportive housing. Supportive housing allows individuals who have experienced homelessness a safe community in which to heal. Peg’s Place is one of their latest projects, located very near to the Gloria Casarez Residence on North 8th Street in Philadelphia. Peg’s Place offers not just efficiency apartments; the building will also include a computer lab, a laundry room, an exercise room, a community room, resident storage lockers, a secured front door entry system, as well as a beautiful courtyard, and garden area that is accessible to the neighborhood.
Because Project HOME’s mission is to provide supportive housing for individuals who have been experiencing homelessness, twenty-six of the apartments are reserved for applicants who are homeless, formerly homeless, or at risk of homelessness. Four of the apartments are fully accessible and can accommodate individuals with mobility impairment, and two apartments are designed to be accessible for people with sensory issues. Each apartment includes its own kitchen, bathroom, living area, sleeping area, and closets.
The development will be built using sustainable design elements, resulting in increased energy efficiency. Peg’s Place will qualify as an Enterprise Green Communities development with an emphasis on energy conservation and efficiency. The buildings and units will also meet Energy Star program standards for energy efficiency.
Peg’s Place was Mark Levin’s last development project before he retired last year. He had this to say, “It is so fitting that this wonderful development was the final one of my career. Project HOME developments made up over one-quarter of the 50 tax credit projects I closed. Like all Project HOME developments, it creates not just shelter, but a home and a springboard to a better future. I was honored to be a small part of the wonderful Project HOME team.”
Construction is expected to last about a year and is scheduled to be complete Summer of 2021. There is an active Live Cam on the construction site. More information is available on the Project HOME website.