The Reading Housing Authority (RHA) has been awarded the 2025 HARIE Safety Improvements Grant, securing $13,500 to enhance security for residents in its Center City high-rise communities. This marks the second consecutive year RHA has received recognition from the Housing and Redevelopment Insurance Exchange (HARIE) for its commitment to resident and employee safety.
The grant will fund upgrades to four elevator security cameras at Franklin Tower, Hubert Apartments, and Kennedy Towers. Once installed, all high-rise elevators across RHA’s Center City campus will be equipped with modernized cameras, benefiting nearly 300 residents—many of whom are older adults and individuals with disabilities.
RHA previously used a 2024 HARIE grant to update elevator cameras at Rhodes and Eisenhower Apartments. Officials said the improvements provided immediate benefits by allowing staff to better monitor activity and respond to incidents, creating a stronger sense of security for residents, employees, and visitors.
“This award will allow RHA to upgrade four additional elevator cameras in our Center City properties, completing all high-rise elevators with upgraded cameras,” said Jon Runkle, RHA’s Director of Administration. “It was a true team effort — and I want to thank everyone who contributed to the research and documentation that made this possible.”
The new cameras will replace aging equipment that struggled with lighting changes and image clarity, providing sharper, high-definition footage to assist both property management and law enforcement in addressing safety concerns.
RHA said the upgrades support its long-term strategy of improving resident safety through proactive technology investments, strong partnerships with local police, and responsive property management.
The award will be formally presented during the 2025 PAHRA Annual Conference & Awards in Lancaster.
