BELLEFONTE — Centre County Commissioners recently issued two proclamations, issued a letter of support for the Children’s Advocacy Center, and announced information about viewing a local housing summit.
For the first proclamation, the State College Community Land Trust celebrated 30 years of operations. SCCLT works to build, rehabilitate, sell, and steward homes that are permanently affordable for the residents of Centre County.
Throughout the past three decades, the Land Trust has mobilized local partners, such as government organizations, community groups, and volunteers, to promote more stable and sustainable housing in the County. This has equated to 57 permanently affordable homes in the county, which have benefited 85 families — or roughly 360 people.
Commissioners commended the SCCLT’s commitment to the housing cause and thanked them for their longstanding and continued contributions to our community.
Moreover, the community is encouraged to participate in the festivities celebrating the 30th anniversary. The SCCLT will host an art exhibit at 3Dots Downtown in State College on Friday, April 3, from 6 to 8 p.m.
For the second proclamation, the week of March 15 was proclaimed to be Pennsylvania 4-H Week. Dedicating a week to 4-H, the largest youth development group in the United States, recognizes the valuable services and mentorship the organization provides to youth.
Pennsylvania is home to more than 77,000 of the roughly 6 million youth who participate in 4H in the United States. Through various programs and networks of staff, Penn State Cooperative Extension provides opportunities in animal science, civic engagement, STEM, and a host of other subject areas.
Locally, thanks to the assistance of over 80 volunteers, roughly 420 youths between the ages of 5 and 18 years old participate in 4-H.
Recognizing the invaluable role of 4-H in creating strong foundations for youth to learn about leadership, career opportunities, and more, the Commissioners gladly and unanimously approved the item proclaiming Pennsylvania 4-H week.
Moving to contracts and authorizations, Leah Raker, Director of Children and Youth Services, presented a letter of support for Centre County Children’s Advocacy Center’s application for the 2026 Endowment Act grant.
The grant application is requesting $100,000 to cover various costs for the CAC, such as continued education training, service expansion, and a new Family Advocate/Forensic Interviewer position.
Since 2014, the CAC has served over 3,500 children. The CAC’s serves to protect vulnerable children in our community, advocate for victims and families, and spread information to other practitioners and community members about how to prevent, identify, intervene, and provide treatment in cases of child abuse.
Commissioners are aware of the crucial role of the CAC in ensuring the safety of Centre County’s youth and unanimously approved the letter of support.
A final act during the meeting included notice of a sponsorship that would have CNET — the county’s government and education access network — record and make available a taping of a Housing Summit.
The Housing Summit is scheduled to take place on Wednesday March 4, 2026, and will bring together representatives from Centre County Government, the Chamber of Business and Industry, the Centre County Housing Task Force, and more local stakeholders to discuss the future of housing for the Centre County workforce and people with low incomes.
Morgan Boyd, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and Brian Hudson, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, are slated to speak at the summit to provide state-level insights into housing.
