HACP Unveils Improved Homeownership Program to Further Help Families Achieve Self-Sufficiency

The HACP has been working tirelessly with its community partners to revamp its Homeownership Program in an effort to “expand homeownership opportunities for low-income families, support first-time income buyers purchasing in the City of Pittsburgh, and help families build assets and economic self-sufficiency toward long-term generational wealth.”

Since Serra Heck, HACP’s homeownership & repositioning manager, took over the initiative in early 2025, she and our partners have helped nearly 50 residents close on their new homes.

The HACP Board of Commissioners recently voted to accept the program’s new guidelines, outlined in the 2026 MTW Annual Plan, which was accepted by HUD on Dec. 18, 2025. Complete program details can be found on pages 110-134.

Applicants must be current LIPH residents, HCV participants, on the LIPH/HCV waitlist with an eligibility letter, or otherwise eligible (with a homeownership eligibility letter, depending on waitlist status).

Other requirements:

• First-time homebuyer status (no ownership interest in the last 3 years, with limited exceptions)
• Household income generally between 50% and 80% Area Median Income at mortgage pre-approval
• Required employment history (with disability/62+ exceptions)
• No recent mortgage default
• No PHA debts owed

“If homeownership is something you’re thinking about, the best first step is to complete a quick onboarding process,” Heck explained. “Complete HUD-approved homeownership counseling to build your plan and earn your certificate, then submit the Homeownership Questionnaire on the HACP website: (https://hacp.org/housing/home-ownership/) so our team can assess your starting point and guide your next steps.”

The HACP is hosting a number of free Homeownership 101 workshops over the next several months to give participants a comprehensive overview of the steps needed to be successful with the program. The next workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the HACP Central Offices, 412 Blvd. of the Allies.

All must register to attend by visiting: https://bit.ly/3ZerWUM. 

Other dates can be found on our social media channels: X.com/HACP1 or facebook.com/HACPgh, or our engagement website: https://engage.hacp.org/.

“Homeownership is important to the growth of Pittsburgh, particularly for our local families,” said Mayor Corey O’Connor. “The Housing Authority’s Homeownership Program provides local families and individuals with the resources that they need to purchase their own home and create roots that will help build equity and generational opportunities in our neighborhoods.”

Key steps involved

Key steps to beginning your journey to homeownership include HUD-approved homeownership counseling and a certificate, obtaining a first-mortgage pre-approval letter and closing cost estimate, completing the Homeownership Questionnaire on the HACP website, selecting an eligible property, inspections, and closing within established timelines,” Heck added.

 

The program partners with a network of local and statewide organizations to maximize impact and ensure access to specialized support. These partners include: the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PA HAF), Neighborhood Legal Services, ACTION-Housing, Just Mediation Pittsburgh, and other HUD-certified housing counseling agencies. 

“Under the leadership of our Executive Director, Caster Binion, HACP’s Homeownership Program has helped more than 200 families turn the dream of homeownership into reality,” Anthony Ceoffe, HACP senior director of asset management, said. “This milestone reflects not only the dedication of our Asset Management team, but the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to expanding opportunity. Together, we are not just helping families purchase homes; we are helping them build equity, create long-term financial security, and invest in the future of their families and communities.”

Personal experience

HACP’s own Deadra Cottrell, general clerk within the Housing Choice Voucher Department, recently completed the homeownership program.

“I went to Dollar Bank and began taking the classes upon a recommendation from a woman I went to school with,” she explained. “They show you how to repair your credit, save money, go through your credit report and teach you how to pay off your debt.”

Ms. Cottrell said while she was working toward owning her own home, she ran into another woman she went to school with, who happened to be a real estate agent. She told her that the HACP had remodeled homes available.

It took her more than a year, but Ms. Cottrell was determined to move into a space that was big enough for her grandchildren to stay with her and to host her family. 

“I started saving money, and stopped eating out and shopping as much,” she added. “My mind was focused on that goal. I finally found a house that I knew had potential and was close to transportation.”

“I have to be focused, dedicated, and set goals for everything,” she said. “I believe if you want something, you better do everything in your power to achieve those goals. I am always looking for ways to elevate myself.”

Now that she has her house, Ms. Cottrell is looking at furthering her education with business administration courses.

The HACP program helped Ms. Cottrell with her home’s closing and other related costs, moving her dream toward reality.

“Serra (Heck) was very professional and helpful,” she said. “I advise anyone that has this dream to go for it. Don’t put a period at the end of your name; if you see an opportunity, go for it! It’s a great program, and a great way to elevate yourself, your life, your family. I am very thankful for this program. It taught me that dreams really do come true, no matter what stage of life you are in. It’s a blessing!”

Possible assistance includes:

• Closing cost + warranty assistance: Up to $8,000 total ($5,000 max closing costs + $3,000 max home warranty).
• Soft-second mortgage: Up to $60,000 (forgivable 10% over 10 years) to help reduce the first-mortgage burden and meet affordability ratios.
• Foreclosure Prevention Fund: Tiered assistance up to $10,000, capped annually at ≤10% of the Homeownership Program budget.

The program takes roughly 75 days to complete, with milestones such as a pre-approval letter within 5 business days and inspection review within 10 days of an executed sales agreement.

It is also designed to ensure residents are financially prepared for long-term homeownership with HUD-approved counseling/education, reviews of mortgage affordability, possible soft-second mortgage assistance to improve affordability, and provides post-purchase support, such as home warranty and foreclosure prevention resources.

Participation can be limited with annual budget caps. However, a waiting list may be used once funds are exhausted. Heck assures the improved program has been “modernized and aligned with today’s real estate best practices, while keeping it clear, supportive, and truly first-time buyer friendly so residents can move forward with confidence.”

Heck’s advice: Complete the onboarding process so we can understand where you are and support you from day one.

For more information, please visit: https://hacp.org/housing/home-ownership/

You may also email: home.ownership@hacp.org.

Watch a Homeownership Roundtable with Heck, Crystal Jennings-Rivera, director of stewardship & community engagement with City of Bridges Community Land Trust, and David McGowen, community lending manager with S&T Bank here:

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Media Contact: Michelle Sandidge, HACP Chief Community Affairs Officer, 412-456-5058, or: michelle.sandidge@hacp.org.