Habitat Philadelphia to Break Ground on Rehabilitation of 16 Germantown Homes 

PHA on November 9, 2026

Photo 1 – Lena Commons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Habitat Philadelphia to Break Ground on Rehabilitation of 16 Germantown Homes 

Lena Commons will create affordable homeownership opportunities through the rehabilitation of long-vacant homes on E. Collom Street 

WHAT: 

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia will break ground Monday on Lena Commons, a 16-home rehabilitation project at 60–74 E. Collom St. in Germantown. The existing homes will be rehabilitated as affordable homeownership opportunities for families who complete Habitat Philadelphia’s homebuyer program. 

The homes were previously part of the Germantown Settlement property portfolio and have been vacant for many years. Habitat Philadelphia is now beginning work to preserve the existing homes and prepare them for future homeowners. 

The groundbreaking will also introduce Habitat Philadelphia’s More Homes, More Opportunity campaign, the organization’s broader effort to expand affordable homeownership opportunities in Philadelphia. 

WHO: 

Corinne O’Connell, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia 

The Honorable Dwight Evans, U.S. Representative, Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District 

Kelvin A. Jeremiah, President and CEO, Philadelphia Housing Authority 

Community members and supporters 

WHEN:
Monday, November 9, 2026
10:00 AM 

WHERE: 

Lena Commons 

60–74 E. Collom St. 

Philadelphia, PA 19144 

VISUALS: 

Ceremonial groundbreaking at the Lena Commons site 

Exterior views of the 16 homes that will be rehabilitated 

Interior view of one unit that where demolition has started 

Project and campaign signage 

Habitat Philadelphia leadership, partners and elected officials 

INTERVIEWS: 

Habitat Philadelphia leadership and project experts will be available for interviews about Lena Commons, the rehabilitation of the homes, affordable homeownership, and the project’s broader significance. Advance interviews and site visits may also be arranged before Monday.  

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About the Philadelphia Housing Authority:

PHA is the nation’s fourth-largest housing authority, serving nearly 80,000 residents in the City of Philadelphia. PHA is committed to providing safe, decent, and affordable housing while offering programs that lead to economic self-sufficiency.