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Groundbreaking Ceremony Held For New Affordable Townhomes In Port Richmond

By Kristen Johanson

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A groundbreaking was held Friday for new, affordable Port Richmond homes, all thanks to a team-effort between a church and revitalization project.

Thirty-six new townhouses are expected to be built in an empty lot on Auburn Street over the next year.

"There's just a tremendous need in Philadelphia for affordable rental housing, so many people in Philly are paying too much of their income on their rent, or living in houses that are substandard, and so this is to ensure there is affordable housing in the future," said Director Nora Lichtash working with the Women's Community Revitalization Project.

She says the median income for a family of four in the city is $35,000. In working with Firm Hope Baptist Church, the goal is to have these families rent for 15 years, eventually to own the house.

"Part of vision is to link these families to services, whether it's family counseling, education, or financial counseling," said Richard Harris, the church's Pastor.

Harris says, if they can't help, they will connect the families with a group that can.

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