WILLOW GROVE, PA (November 2024) - Penn Community Bank, the largest mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, has awarded a $25,000 grant to Willow Grove Community Development Corporation (WGCDC) to support the expansion of affordable housing options in eastern Montgomery County through their Bridging the Gap Program.
The grant will help WGCDC continue its mission of providing quality, affordable rental housing to families across five suburban municipalities. The organization has already added four new properties to its portfolio—three in Upper Moreland Township and one in Ambler—bringing their total to 62 affordable rental units. With continued support, they'll reach their goal of 65 units.
"Access to affordable housing is about more than just putting roofs over heads – it's about creating pathways to economic growth and community stability," said Bernard Tynes, Chief Experience & Impact Officer at Penn Community Bank. "Through WGCDC's innovative approach of maintaining affordable rents in opportunity-rich neighborhoods, families can invest in their futures through education, healthcare, and financial growth. This is what we mean when we talk about investing in impact – creating a ripple effect that strengthens entire communities."
“Thank you very much! On behalf of the Willow Grove Community Development Corporation, we thank the Penn Community Bank Foundation for your very generous contribution and support of our mission and the work we do,” said Jerome Mitchell, Executive Director of Willow Grove Community Development Corporation. “We are delighted to receive your support and look forward to working with you to accomplish our goals. Again, thank you for your commitment and the great work you all continue to do at Penn Community Bank.”
Beyond housing, WGCDC provides vital community services through their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Operating in partnership with Temple University Ambler and the Internal Revenue Service, WGCDC helps up to 500 low-to-moderate income residents annually complete their tax returns free of charge.
The organization serves approximately 1,000 beneficiaries annually across eastern Montgomery County. In neighborhoods where over 15% of residents face poverty, these comprehensive services create essential pathways to economic stability.
