September 22, 2006

Housing Authorities and supportive residents across the state of Pennsylvania gathered at the Allegheny Housing Authoriy's Pleasant Ridge Community Center in Stowe Township, to share viewpoints about recent housing budget cuts. The theme of the event was "Preserve Affordable Housing." An audience in excess of four-hundred persons, mostly public housing residents from across the state, attended the event. Additionally, a press conference was held to publicize the event and its intent.

Panels of local government officials, housing authority executive directors, resident leaders, and community agencies discussed the impact funding cuts will have on puclic housing communities as well as strategies to prevent these cuts while public housing residents voiced their opinions and concerns.

Featured speakers included PA Senator Rick Santorum, District Director, Pittsburgh Office of Congressman Mike Doyle's Office, Paul D'Alesandro, Philadelphia Housing Authority Executive Director, Carl Greene, Pennsylvania Association of Housing and Redevelopment Agencies (PAHRA) President, Carl DeChellis, and Philadelphia Housing Authority Director of Tenant Support Services, Asia Coney.

Following the conference, supporters gathered at the Pittsburgh City County Building to lead a demonstration through town to Point State Park and Market Square where they held a rally for affordable housing.

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