Mercer County receives Pennsylvania housing grant

SHARON, Pa. -- Mercer County Community Action Agency has been awarded a $148,613 state grant to help build transitional housing for abused women and children.
The grant, from the state's HOME program, will be used as a match for a $148,613 federal Continuum of Care Program grant, putting the total project cost at just under $300,000, said Gary Cervone, MCCAA vice president and chief financial officer.
The project is being developed in conjunction with Alternatives for Women: Advocacy, Resources and Education, which runs a 30-day temporary shelter for victims of domestic violence.
The MCCAA also owns and maintains that structure.
The new housing, named Legacy House, will be a pair of duplexes built on the former Florence Street playground.
It will offer extended living arrangements for those who have used up their time in AW/ARE's emergency shelter and need someplace else to go. They will be able to live at Legacy House for up to two years, MCCAA officials said.
AW/ARE will provide counseling services for the residents.
The state grant is technically awarded to the city of Sharon, which applied for the funding on behalf of MCCAA. The grant program can be tapped only by municipalities.