Officials celebrated five new affordable for-sale homes in McKees Rocks on Wednesday.
“This home isn’t just about changing my address, it’s changing my family’s future,” said Chantel Perkins, who is purchasing one of the Woodward Avenue homes. “This home is our foundation, our safe place, and the beginning of a legacy that I pray continues for generations.”
LEVEL: Equity Building hosts a ribbon cutting in McKees Rocks as part of renovations homes available for purchase by low-to-moderate income families.
The homes were rehabbed by McKees Rocks-based nonprofit LEVEL: Equity Building, a nonprofit working to help low- and moderate-income homebuyers.
“Today, the adage, ‘It takes a village,’ truly hits home,” said LEVEL CEO Jason Tigano. “In this case, it takes more than a village. It took a borough, a county, a commonwealth, and countless partners.”
Funding for the project included a state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant in partnership with McKees Rocks Borough, $1.3 million in federal funds through Allegheny County, as well as other public and private sources. The homes were from the county’s Vacant Property Recovery Program and have all been extensively renovated.
When she first took office and surveyed Allegheny County residents about what her priorities should be, more pathways to affordable homeownership and reclaiming vacant, blighted properties were top housing concerns, said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato.
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato speaks at a ribbon cutting event Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Funding for the project included $1.3 million in federal funds through Allegheny County, as well as properties through the county’s Vacant Property Recovery Program.
“That’s exactly what this project does and why we were so excited to invest in it,” Innamorato said.
Most affordable housing is rental housing, Tigano said. But homeownership allows families to build generational wealth.
Finding income-qualified buyers for such for-sale properties can be a challenge, as buyers must earn enough — but not too much — income to qualify. Two of the five houses are under contract with buyers.
If you are interested in learning more about LEVEL’s affordable homes for sale in McKees Rocks, email hello@homesbylevel.org.