FirstEnergy Foundation Announces $115,000 for Housing Stability across Pennsylvania: 14 Organizations Funded, Blackburn Center Receives $5,000
Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania — The FirstEnergy Foundation announced on October 30 that it is investing $115,000 in 14 Pennsylvania organizations that provide housing assistance and supportive services to individuals and families facing homelessness, domestic violence and other housing challenges.
Among the recipients, the Blackburn Center, which has served survivors of domestic violence and other crimes in Westmoreland County for nearly 50 years, received $5,000 for shelter operations, basic necessities and vital programs. FirstEnergy Pennsylvania President John Hawkins said the center has provided safe shelter and critical resources in the county for nearly 50 years. Company employees also organized a donation drive for the shelter's most-needed items. Blackburn Center Executive Director Renee Reitz said the center is grateful for the generous donation, which together with the donated items will help meet clients' needs and sustain the emergency shelter program.
Other recipients include Opportunity House and Hope Rescue Mission in Berks County, Housing Transitions in Centre County, Valley Youth House in Northampton County, and domestic violence shelters across Berks, Blair, Erie, Mercer, Monroe, Warren and York counties.
The grants are part of the foundation's Shelter, Safety and Stability initiative, whose funding increased this year from $100,000 to $500,000 across the foundation's five-state service territory. Since 2020, the foundation has donated more than $1.6 million toward shelter and housing needs.
Source: GSM America
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：The Pennsylvania State Capitol in Fall (22158965144)。来源：Wikimedia Commons（Governor Tom Wolf from Harrisburg, PA，CC BY 2.0）
