ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A landmark grant is now in action in Allentown.
A year ago, we learned the city was getting big bucks from the federal government. Now we know just how the city intends to use that $20 million for quality-of-life improvements.
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk says this grant will “change the city” and improve lives.
“This is a big deal,” said Tuerk, announcing the program at Casa Guadalupe.
It’s about getting Allentown to work, lowering barriers to help people get good jobs in the city.
“It’s the largest competitive federal grant that the city of Allentown’s ever received. All eyes are on us,” said Tuerk.
The program, which will be called Allentown Works, will focus on 25 to 54 year olds who are unemployed in six specific neighborhoods, including Franklin Park, Center City, and the 1st and 6th Wards.
“Manufacturing makes up 16% of the Lehigh Valley’s GDP, compared to 12% nationally. And that means that making our region basically 33% more focused or more weighted towards manufacturing than the rest of the country. And that’s significant,” explained R. Scott Unger, the Executive Director of the Allentown Economic Development Corporation.
Allentown began working on this project last year, enlisting volunteers, known as Power Cohorts, to work with families to find solutions to challenges like urban manufacturing, financial literacy, and child care subsidies.
“We’ve heard from parents who are unable to find affordable child care during third shift hours, leaving them with no choice but to accept part-time work,” said Deja Wilson, United Way Community School Coordinator.
The bulk of the $20-million grant will go to a coalition of more than 40 partners administering non-profit programs.
“The idea is that we can create a model that can transcend Allentown. It can be applicable in the Lehigh Valley and across the country,” Mayor Tuerk said.
By 2030, Allentown Works aims to connect more than 650 residents to long-term, stable jobs.