WHEELING HOUSING AUTHORITY TO HOST PRESS CONFERENCE
WHEELING, WV…Wheeling Housing Authority is hosting an informational press conference at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 30, 2021, in North Wheeling at the site of the former Sacred Heart Church. Information will be released as to the plans of the site. Press and the public are invited to attend for additional information, sound bites, and previewing drawings.
In the early morning hours of July 7, 2018, a fire destroyed the Sacred Heart Church building in North Wheeling. Owned by Wheeling Housing Authority, the building was home to its North Wheeling office. The former sanctuary had been converted into a community center and was widely utilized by the North Wheeling community, including the Faith Community Church. The lower part of the building was rented by Augusta Levy Learning Center.
After the fire, the Faith Community Church held services outside and at Riverview Towers, also owned by Wheeling Housing Authority. The church has spent the past two years renovating a building in North Wheeling to hold their congregation. The front doors from the former Sacred Heart Church, two of the steps, and two corner pieces of stone now reside in the fellowship hall of the new church building. “Ray Carney, a member of Faith Community Church worked with Wheeling Housing Authority to complete the project,” explained Wheeling Housing Authority Executive Director Joyce Wolen.
The Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston also collaborated with Wheeling Housing Authority to secure the cornerstone and the cross that graced the steeple. A memorial dedicated to Sacred Heart Church now resides on the property of St. Joseph Cathedral. “Ken Staley, Diocesan Supervisor of Buildings and Properties, was an integral part of preserving the history of Sacred Heart,” continued Wolen.
Augusta Levy Learning Center held its own campaign following the fire and now has a new home off National Road on the Bedway property.
“The final part of this journey is for Wheeling Housing Authority to rebuild,” proclaimed Wolen. Site preparation began on July 5, 2021, and is slated to be completed by the end of this year. Shaffer Madama (Dennis Madama) is overseeing the construction, with Colaianni Construction providing contractor services.
The new building will house an office and maintenance shop for Wheeling Housing Authority and, once again, a community center for the North Wheeling community. “Wheeling Housing Authority is very excited to get this project underway and to again be able to provide a community gathering place for the North Wheeling community. We are proud to be a part of this great community and the City of Wheeling,” concluded Wolen.
About Wheeling Housing Authority
Wheeling Housing Authority (WHA) was established in 1937. WHA is a public agency chartered by the State of West Virginia, funded in part through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide subsidized housing for eligible citizens of Ohio County.
Wheeling Housing Authority owns and professionally manages family communities and hi-rise rental apartments. Apartments range in size from efficiency to five bedrooms and are located throughout the City of Wheeling. Wheeling Housing Authority also assists families who wish to live in privately owned housing and receive rental subsidies through the Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly Section 8).
Wheeling Housing Authority is committed to building stronger neighborhoods by providing quality housing options and professional services for eligible residents of Ohio County in partnership with the greater community. Respect for the dignity of the residents served is the organization’s mission.