Dupont, PA – November 4, 2025 — The Northeast Pennsylvania Land Bank will celebrate the groundbreaking of its newest affordable housing effort, the Mod-Home Initiative, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM at 292 Coolidge Street in Dupont, PA. Members of the media are invited to attend for photo and interview opportunities.

Supported by a $750,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund, the Mod-Home Initiative represents an innovative approach to addressing the region’s shortage of affordable housing. The project includes the construction of two new modular single-family homes—one two-bedroom unit on North Main Street in Pittston City and another three-bedroom home on Coolidge Street in Dupont. Both homes were designed and built by Cornerstone Building Solutions.

Set to be occupied in December, these homes will operate under a rent-to-own model, providing local families a realistic pathway toward homeownership by reducing the barriers typically associated with purchasing a home, such as large down payments and high interest rates.

“This is one of the projects I am most proud of,” said Shannon Bonacci, Deputy Director for the North East Pa Land Bank. “The Land Bank has proven that we can do more than just buy and sell properties, we can play a vital role in expanding affordable housing opportunities. It’s been incredibly rewarding to work with families on creating paths to homeownership, and we’re eager to continue these efforts in the years ahead.”

The mission of the Northeast Pennsylvania Land Bank Authority, a public agency, is to return vacant and blighted properties to productive use through a transparent, unified process, revitalizing neighborhoods and strengthening local tax bases. The organization collaborates with residents, community groups, nonprofits, and private developers to foster equitable neighborhood growth.

For more information or to learn how to acquire a property, please visit www.nepalandbank.com.

Contact: Cara Wengen, Communications Manager for the City of Pittston

Organization: Northeast Pennsylvania Land Bank/City of Pittston

Phone: (570) 417-3394

Email: cwengen@pittstoncity.gov

Website: www.nepalandbank.com