Dozens attend public hearing in support of ‘House Opportunity Fund'

PITTSBURGH — Dozens of people attended a public hearing in an effort to preserve affordable housing and keep communities represented in Pittsburgh.

Housing complexes are on the rise in East Liberty and with economic developments also coming into the areas, but people who call these neighborhoods home said it is a housing crisis.

"We don't mind the development but you have to include us in that. Include people that are low-income in this process," Carmen Brown of East Liberty said.

Celeste Scott has been displaced three times and told Channel 11 it can be discouraging.

"It was very frustrating and very difficult. It's a public health crisis, makes you depressed and hard to keep a job, and it affects everything in your life," Scott said.

Neighbors said rent has increased, affordable housing has been demolished and opportunity has been compromised over the last few years.

Pittsburgh United said the city is 20,000 short on affordable rental units. Penn Plaza was replaced with a Whole Foods store.

"It's sad because again you're moving these big corporations in, and where are these people going to live?" Carmen said.

Cox Media Group