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Mission & History

History

BHA started as the vision of two Church of the Brethren (COB) congregations who wanted to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness through housing and counseling provided by congregation pastors. As the organization grew, more COB congregations got involved as “members” and helped to grow the organization by acquiring more properties to serve more families.

 

Once a volunteer run organization, by the mid-1990s, the Board of Directors saw the need for more professional case management support for the families and entered into a partnership with Delta Housing, Inc. BHA and Delta partnered for five years to provide services for 16 families in BHA’s apartments. In 2001, this partnership was dissolved, and BHA began hiring its own program staff to work with the families.

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BHA saw steady expansion of its support base, programs, properties, and staff during the 2000s. In 2007, BHA was awarded a capacity building grant through the White House Office of Faith-Based Organizations. Through this funding, a program review and strategic planning process were conducted. This led to the launch of the 20/20 Vision Campaign, a $2.25 million organizational expansion effort, in 2010. The campaign was successfully completed in 2013 with over $2.52 million raised, housing capacity of BHA doubled, and new programs were launched.

 

In 2014, BHA partnered with PinnacleHealth Systems (now UPMC Pinnacle) for the first new construction project, the Hummel Street Townhouses. This project included three brand new townhomes with a large fenced-in yard and garden behind it - something not often seen in the Allison Hill community.

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Today, BHA operates the programs (Transitions, Side-By-Side and Next Steps), owns 10 parcels of land for 22 apartments, employs eight staff members, and has 13 member churches as well as many other supporting congregations, businesses, individuals and grant-making organizations who believe in the work of BHA.

We believe all women can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.

Our Mission

Our mission is to help individuals and families, who are experiencing homelessness, achieve their God-given potential by providing a holistic program of stable housing, supportive services and loving relationships.

Our Mission

Our Vision

Our vision is building a future with hope.

We Need Your Support Today!

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