Bernice Elza Homes

The Bernice Elza Homes project is an affordable housing development led by People’s Emergency Center in the West Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia. The project combined both new construction and rehabilitation to transform vacant and underutilized properties into high-quality affordable housing for families. The development included the construction of a new three-story residential building on Brandywine Street as well as the rehabilitation of five adjacent vacant rowhomes along Haverford Avenue, helping to stabilize and reinvest in a key residential corridor within the community.

The development created a total of affordable two- and three-bedroom apartment homes designed to support long-term housing stability for low-income households and families. The newly constructed building included six two-bedroom apartments and space for on-site case management services, while the rehabilitated rowhomes added additional family-sized units, including accessible apartments for residents with mobility needs. The project emphasized durable, energy-efficient design and was developed in accordance with high-performance building standards, including LEED for Homes and Energy Star certification goals. Construction also included significant site preparation work, environmental remediation, utility infrastructure improvements, and sustainable building systems to support long-term operational efficiency and resident comfort.

Bernice Elza Homes was designed as more than just a housing development—it represented a broader investment in neighborhood revitalization and family stability in West Philadelphia. Through a combination of new construction, preservation, and supportive services, the project helped return vacant properties to productive community use while expanding access to safe, affordable housing opportunities. The inclusion of on-site support resources and family-oriented apartment layouts reinforced People’s Emergency Center’s mission of strengthening neighborhoods and helping families achieve long-term stability and independence.

Stone Sherick’s Role in the Project

Stone Sherick Consulting Group provided project development consulting support for the Bernice Elza Homes development, assisting with various aspects of project planning, financing coordination, and development implementation. Their role included supporting the project through predevelopment activities, coordinating affordable housing financing components, and helping navigate the complex processes associated with mixed rehabilitation and new construction affordable housing developments. Stone Sherick worked collaboratively with the ownership and development team to help advance a project focused on neighborhood reinvestment, sustainability, and the creation of quality affordable housing in West Philadelphia.