1889 Foundation's $500K grant again backs free home repair work in city

Dave Sutor, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·2 min read

Feb. 7—Hosanna Industries and the 1889 Foundation are again combining efforts in 2024 to provide free basic home repairs for Johnstown property owners who otherwise would not be able to afford the upgrades.

On Tuesday, the foundation announced that it has awarded the nonprofit organization a $500,000 grant to do work this year on at least 25 homes, specifically within the city proper.

"No. 1, being able to help homeowners in need is always fantastic in whatever ways we can, as far as the repairs and anything that they might need," 1889 Foundation President Sue Mann said. "But secondly, we're trying to keep properties and homes from further deteriorating and then becoming a blighted situation. We really see this as kind of twofold."

1889 Foundation has granted $1.5 million total — $500,000 each year from 2022 through 2024 — to Hosanna Industries' Johnstown Resurrection Project, which is also supported by the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority.

The foundation's money has also been leveraged to bring in an additional $4.7 million from other sources. All told, the funding has paid for repairs to more than 100 homes.

Hosanna Industries founder the Rev. Donn Ed, an Upper Yoder Township native, said in a released statement: "Our hearts are humbled by the magnanimous support of the 1889 Foundation without whose trust and confidence these initiatives could not take place, the collaboration with the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority, the enthusiasm of hundreds of charitable volunteers from far and near, and the many gracious contributions from congregations, businesses, schools, and individuals in the Johnstown community."

Allegheny County-based Hosanna Industries can do a wide range of work on homes, including installing windows, vinyl siding and flooring, along with painting exteriors and interiors, and general remodeling. Houses must be within Johnstown proper to qualify.

More information about the project can be obtained by calling the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority at 814-535-6564.