A large building project has just been completed in West Powelton. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Wednesday for Bigham Leatherberry Wise Place, a new affordable housing project, which includes eleven units. A vacant lot and an existing structure at 4226-32 Powelton Avenue were transformed into the homes, seven of which are for formerly homeless women with special needs and their children. The housing includes six two-bedroom and five three-bedroom units, two of them will be fully accessible to people with disabilities and one will be accessible to individuals with sensory impairments. Bigham Leatherberry Wise Place also features a courtyard containing a rain garden and a large rear yard. 

The project was spearheaded by the People’s Emergency Center (PEC). The development received funding from the City’s Office of Housing and Community Development and Office of Supportive Housing and a number of organizations and businesses. The project reflects community objectives laid down in the 2004 West Powelton/Saunders Park Neighborhood Plan and the more recent Lower Lancaster Revitalization Plan.

Bigham Leatherberry Wise Place residents will have access to supportive services through PEC, including case management, children’s programs, affordable childcare, counseling and therapy, drug and alcohol outpatient treatment, and employment and training programs.

Bigham Leatherberry Wise Place is named in honor of three local community organizers who have been important to either the needs of the community or championing the needs of homeless families: Helen Bigham, John Leatherberry, and Elsie Wise. Read more about this housing project on the PEC website.