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November 13, 2019 (Chester) – The Riverfront Alliance’s Homeownership and Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative is a comprehensive housing program that includes three components aimed at addressing both housing supply and demand. The first component is designed to assist employees of area businesses to purchase or improve the exteriors of their homes. The second piece provides façade assistance to targeted neighborhoods while the final prong works on identifying additional opportunities to construct new homes for sale to low and moderate income families. The Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County (RADC) recently received a $40,000 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank America's Most Convenient Bank@ to assist in providing these quality affordable homeownership opportunities and promoting neighborhood revitalization. RADC’s Employer Assisted Housing (EAH) program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible member employees to purchase single-family, owner-occupied homes, or up to $3,000 for existing owner occupants to make exterior improvements. The TD Charitable Foundation funds will add value to existing homes and aid in the revitalization of key residential neighborhoods. Improvements include replacement of exterior doors and windows, porch repairs, exterior painting, landscaping, exterior lighting, sidewalks and retaining wall repairs. Up to $3,000 in matching funds are available to homeowners who meet program criteria. With this new grant, RADC will extend its services to target two Chester neighborhoods for facade improvements and the installation of security cameras. This investment specifically works to stabilize middle neighborhoods. In addition, RADC will expand housing opportunities for low and moderate income families by identifying and assessing sites for small, newly constructed homeownership projects that fit into existing communities. This support will allow RADC to do the pre-development work essential to undertaking new projects similar to the Arbor Estates homes presently under construction at 15th and Arbor Drive in Chester. “We are delighted by the support provided by the TD Charitable Foundation. As a result of the TD Charitable Foundation’s commitment over the past few years, there has been a significant and undeniable benefit to Chester’s low and moderate income families and communities,” said Gerald Miller, Treasurer of RADC and Chair of the Employer Assisted Housing Committee. “RADC is fortunate to have such a dedicated partner in its efforts to improve housing conditions for local families.” "The investment made to support quality, family housing in Chester helps build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all members of a community," said Tom Shoemaker, TD Bank Commercial Market President, Pennsylvania. RADC began its Employer Assisted Housing Initiative in 2008, offering down payment assistance to its’ member employees. The program has grown to increase its impact on those homeownership communities so essential to the community fabric. Participating employers Include Widener University, Crozer Keystone Health System, Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack, DELCORA, the Chester Water Authority, the Chester Housing Authority and Health Mats. Cynthia Cartwright, an employee of the Chester Housing Authority who benefited from the program, stated “The Riverfront Alliance Employer Assisted Housing Program provided me with financial assistance for exterior improvements on my home which has now increased the value of my residence. The support staff at the Riverfront Alliance took the time to instruct me step by step of the total home improvement process before, during and upon completion of the labor.” RADC looks forward to assisting additional Chester employees and improving neighborhoods with the support from the TD Charitable Foundation. About the RADC The Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County is a consortium of private sector corporations and non-profit institutions that have come together to develop and implement programs and activities that serve as the catalyst for the physical, economic, and social development of all Delaware County waterfront communities. This contribution supports TD's longstanding commitment to community enrichment through TD's corporate citizenship platform, The Ready Commitment. The Ready Commitment actively promotes inclusivity, economic vitality, environmental wellbeing and health, enabling people of all backgrounds to succeed in a rapidly changing world. As part of The Ready Commitment, TD targets US $775 million in total by 2030 towards community giving in four critical areas: Financial Security, a more Vibrant Planet, Connected Communities and Better Health. Through this platform, TD aspires to create a more inclusive tomorrow -- helping people of all backgrounds feel more confident, not just about their finances, but about their ability to achieve their goals. Visit: https://www.tdbank.com/corporate-responsibility/the-ready-commitment/ About the TD Charitable Foundation The TD Charitable Foundation is the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, one of the 10 largest commercial banking organizations in the United States. Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation has distributed over $222 million through nearly 21,000 grants through donations to local nonprofits from Maine to Florida. More information on the TD Charitable Foundation, including the online grant application, is available at https://www.tdbank.com/corporate-responsibility/the-ready-commitment/funding-opportunities/ About TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank® TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 9 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,200 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit www.td.com/us. Find TD Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TDBank_US. ###