HYP's Home In The City Program Recognized at CPBJ’s 2011 Nonprofit Innovation Awards

Harrisburg, PA (March 8, 2011): Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP), a nonprofit organization focused on improving the quality of life in the City of Harrisburg, was recognized for its Home in the City program by Central Penn Business Journal's 2011 Nonprofit Innovation Awards, which recognizes and honors local 501(c)(3) organizations and executives that demonstrate innovation in their daily operations. HYP leaders, as well as other awardees, were recognized on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at the Lancaster County Convention Center.

Home in the City, or the HYP Employer-Assisted Housing Program, incentivizes city living by offering $1,000 toward approved applicants closing costs on any home purchased within city limits. The program was created in partnership with the Harrisburg 20/20 committee and assistance from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber/CREDC and Urban Land Institute. All grants were made to individual home-buyers on a first-come, first-served basis in the amount of $1,000.

Local civic-minded employers, including Ray Davis, Vartan Group, Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District, Riverview Manor Associates, Past HYP President Wendell Hoover, Past HYP President Alex Hartzler, Harristown Development, and Past HYP President Jessica Meyers/JEM Group, generously funded the successful program.

The program, which was announced on February 24, 2010, awarded $14,000 in grants as early as April 2, 2010. As a result of Home in the City's popularity, HYP had to turn away prospective applicants once the funds were exhausted.

"Thanks to the forward-thinking Harrisburg 20/20 committee and generous area business partners, HYP is able to further our mission to attract new homeowners to the city," said 2011 HYP President Ryan Riley. "By offering incentives to first-time homebuyers, we’re making city living an even more attractive option for young professionals and investing in the future of this city."

HYP was recognized in the Program award category of the 2011 Nonprofit Innovation Awards, which rewards "innovation in creating and implementing a program or event locally to increase the effectiveness of its mission."

"HYP encourages more people working in the city to make Harrisburg their home," said Riley. "This innovative program makes home ownership in the city even more attractive and attainable."

More information about the awards can be found here: http://www.centralpennbusiness.com/events/details/38:nonprofit-innovation-awards?xref=41

Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP) is a group of young, active, civic-minded professionals who have a clear vision of Harrisburg's future as a great place to live, work and play. HYP's goals include "brain gain", economic development and city revitalization, promotion of diversity, active volunteerism, and social and business networking. For more information about HYP, visit www.hyp.org.