Recent News
-
Please Join Us in Congratulating Itha Cao and Tamara Emswiler on their New Positions at Neighborhood Allies
Leave a CommentItha has been promoted to Director of Digital Inclusion and Innovation! As Director of Digital Inclusion and Innovation, Itha will lead priority initiatives that improve resident access to the three critical pieces of achieving a high quality of life in the 21st century: computer literacy skills, computer ownership, and high speed internet. The formal launch of Community Learning Centers in Homewood through Level Up 412 and the continuation of the Beyond the Laptops program will provide community members of all ages with the tools they deserve to learn, work, and live. “Itha’s years of experience in the digital equity space and programming is a gift and asset to our organization. In just the limited time she has been on the Neighborhood Allies team, she has been steadfast in making sure that critical partnerships in this space are strengthened and maintained”, says Chief Operating Officer, Stephanie Chernay. “I’m impressed with her abilities and commitment to our mission. I look forward to seeing where Itha takes the digital equity and access space!” Tamara has been promoted to Senior Program Manager for Social Impact Design! As Senior Program Manager for Social Impact Design, Tamara will launch the new Social Impact Design Department at Neighborhood Allies which will center the voices and stories of our priority neighborhoods and ensure that design justice and equity principles are implemented in an intentional way that always puts community needs first. In this role she will oversee a project portfolio that includes architectural and urban design, public art, and place-keeping. With her leadership, this department will pilot a new program that will provide storytelling and design services to support the realization of community projects by acting as a translator of community visions to architects, urban designers, and artists. “Tamara has grown tremendously in her leadership and technical skills. We are so lucky to have her talent and passion on our team”, says Chief Operating Officer, Stephanie Chernay. “She continues to bring her best to our programs and teams and we cannot wait to see what 2022 brings for her diverse offering of programs and talents!”
-
Media Coverage | ‘Big Tom’ aims to uplift the Hill District, just like Walter Hamm did
Leave a CommentBy: Ashley G. Woodson | For New Pittsburgh Courier | Read the full article New barbershop location will include affordable housing Thomas Boyd Sr., of TomTom24 Development, LLC, was joined by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, Neighborhood Allies, the Boyd family, elected officials and members of the community to a groundbreaking ceremony at 2178 Centre Ave., the future site of Big Tom’s Barbershop and much more. It’s the location where a community fixture, Hamm’s Barbershop, once stood for decades. “This lot that we’re standing on is going to be beautified and used for community benefit and to allow for home-based businesses and pop-up sales. You are starting to see that legacy of Mr. (Walter) Hamm be built upon here by Tom,” said Diamonte Walker, Deputy Executive Director of the URA, at the Nov. 30, 2021, groundbreaking. “This is the type of development that we all talk about from someone born and raised in the neighborhood. You can’t get to this place without integrity, social capital and the way you’ve lived your life all of these years. I think someone like Mr. Tom Boyd is the epitome of what our neighborhoods should be,” added Neighborhood Allies President Presley L. Gillespie. Boyd is going to relocate his barbershop from 2042 Centre Ave. to the first floor of the rehabilitated structure at 2178 Centre. The second and third floors will become four one-bedroom apartments available to those at or below 80 percent Area Median Income. The nearby lots will be beautified and used as open space for the community. THE BOYD FAMILY, at the groundbreaking ceremony, Nov. 30, 2021. (Photo by Ashley G. Woodson) “The Hill District has always been a proud community,” voiced Boyd. “My family has five generations in this community by going to school, working, playing and all of that. It started with my grandfather, Rev. Jesse Thomas Boyd. In his older life he was a pastor and he had a restaurant on Centre Avenue and a jitney station and rest in peace to my grandfather but he didn’t own any of those things. That is one thing that always bothered me because I’ve been at my barbershop for 16 years but I don’t own it. I’m paying rent to a landlord that I don’t like. I always looked up to Mr. Hamm because he was a proud man, business owner and he always supported the community and I hope I can live up to that. I want to thank Sam because he is one of the main reasons the shop gets the love it gets and all of the staff that make Big Tom’s what it is today. I want to thank everyone for all of their hard work in making this a reality.” WALTER HAMM, the Hill District institution who owned Hamm’s Barbershop at 2178 Centre Ave. all the way up until his death in 2011. The project has received more than $1.94 million in funding from First National Bank, Lower Hill Group, Neighborhood Allies, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and the URA. “I’m so excited for him (Boyd) because he symbolizes a lot of what we’ve been saying to authentic Hill residents and those who have seen our neighborhood go through different changes,” said Rep. Jake Wheatley. “I have a personal relationship with him and I’ve heard about his struggles, visions and dreams about why he wanted to do this. I’ve also seen his walk from years ago to now wanting to be an example of how you can take whatever people throw at you and turn into something so much greater.”
-
Steel Smiling Successfully Raises Over $500,000 to Support Their Goal of Exposing Every Black Resident in Pittsburgh to a Positive Mental Health Experience by 2030
Leave a CommentSteel Smiling Diversifies and Grows Funding As an Organization-in-Residence at Neighborhood Allies
-
We’re Hiring! Neighborhood Allies Seeks a Social Impact Designer
Leave a CommentNeighborhood Allies is seeking a Social Impact Designer to join a collaborative team working on community-driven programs and projects in the Pittsburgh region. This role is for a leader who loves community-centered work and utilizes their design services to support healthy neighborhoods in historically disinvested communities.
-
Neighborhood Allies Welcomes New Board Members!
Leave a CommentWelcome, Jonathan and Morton to the Neighborhood Allies Board of Directors!
-
Want to be a Financial Counselor? | Join the Pittsburgh Financial Empowerment Center Team!
Leave a CommentA counselor’s primary purpose is to provide education, counseling, and support regarding personal finances and credit issues for individuals and families. FEC counselors will develop a rapport with the individuals they are serving and will provide case management to help the individual achieve financial goals.
-
Media Coverage | Ground broken on Big Tom’s Barbershop, affordable housing project in Hill District
Leave a CommentBy: Jordyn Hronec | Pittsburgh Business Times
-
Our Work on The Ground | Neighborhood Allies Builds Relationships Through Real Estate
Leave a CommentRecently, we provided technical assistance and supporting funds to Ms. T’s Restaurant and The Galaxy Lounge to supplement a $36,500 forgivable façade loan from the Urban Redevelopment Authority. The funding and time spent has resulted in refreshed storefronts for both Homewood businesses!
-
Media Coverage | Officials break ground on project they hope will help revitalize Hill District
Leave a CommentWe are honored to be an ally and partner on this journey with Big Tom and to support him in accessing the tools and resources needed to create transformative community change in the Hill District.
-
Media Coverage | City Joins Big Tom’s Groundbreaking, Bringing $1.94 Million of Investments for Barbershop, Affordable Housing and Community Revitalization Project on Hill District’s Centre Avenue Business Corridor
Leave a Comment“Thanks to all the people who have been working hard – all the community groups, all the funders, Neighborhood Allies, URA and all the people who have been helping me through this process,” said Mr. Boyd. “I just feel blessed and we’re going to continue giving back to the neighborhood.”
-
Neighborhood Allies’ Healthy Neighborhoods Celebration Past Awardee Highlights | 2018 Market Confidence Awardee | Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh
Leave a CommentThe holiday season is a time to celebrate and show thanks. With that in mind, in lieu of highlighting new awardees for our 5th annual Healthy Neighborhoods Celebration, we are instead sharing a special anniversary campaign to showcase the work and progress of our past awardees! Follow us on Instagram to see the highlights between now and the end of the year!
-
Media Coverage | FNB Receives Bank On Certification for eStyle Checking Account
Leave a CommentAs the founder and convener of Bank On Allegheny County, along with the City of Pittsburgh and the FDIC, Neighborhood Allies is thrilled to congratulate First National Bank for being the latest member of our Bank On Allegheny County coalition to receive Bank On certification for their eStyle checking account! Bank On Allegheny County now has 10 certified accounts covering 9 local banks and credit unions!
-
We’re seeking residents to serve on our Investment Advisory Committee!
Leave a CommentWe are seeking two residents to serve on the IAC who are from one of our communities of focus (Hilltop- Beltzhoover, Allentown, Knoxville; The Hill District, Larimer, Millvale and Wilkinsburg). Read on for full Member Description details!
-
Media Coverage | Migrating Your Small Business Online
Leave a CommentOur Get Online Grow Online programs is highlighted!
-
Media Coverage | The KeyBank Foundation on Wednesday announced a $400,000 grant to Neighborhood Allies, a Pittsburgh community development nonprofit
Leave a CommentBy Patty Tascarella, Senior Reporter | Pittsburgh Business Times
-
KeyBank Foundation Provides Grant to Neighborhood Allies to Build Equitable Resilience
Leave a CommentThis Grant Will Support Our Work to Build Equitable Resilience through Economic Opportunity
-
$50,000 Grant from The Benter Foundation to Support Wealth Building Pathways
Leave a CommentThis $50,000 award will support of the Fund My Future and Economic Opportunity Program Integration
-
Media Coverage | Smallest Firms Reveal Barriers to Economic Inclusion: Lessons from Pandemic Support Programs
Leave a CommentPart of the reason why programs may not be well targeted to many nonemployers may be that policy makers simply do not know enough about them. The SBCS gives us critical information that can be used to better inform and shape more effective policies that can respond to this diverse bedrock of small businesses. If you are a small-business owner, consider taking the Federal Reserve’s 2021 survey, in the field until November 19.
-
Media Coverage | Sowing hope through Pittsburgh neighborhood garden prints
Leave a CommentThe Incline | By Francesca Dabecco | October 27, 2021 | Read the full story
-
RISE HIGH Quarterly Equity Update #2
Leave a CommentEach quarter, our RISE HIGH (Racial Inclusive Solutions for Equitable-Development, Healing, Impact, Growth) Team will provide updates on our equity efforts. Each quarter, our RISE HIGH (Racial Inclusive Solutions for Equitable-Development, Healing, Impact, Growth) Team will provide updates on our equity efforts. This quarter, read about our internal pay equity analysis, meet our two newest grantee-partners, and more!
-
Steel Allies Share About Their Mental Health Journeys During World Mental Health Month: Erica L. Givner, MSW, LCSW, EMDR-C
Leave a CommentOctober is World Mental Health Month. With our Organization-in-Residence, Steel Smiling, we’re highlighting some “Steel Allies” who champion mental health and wellness in their communities.
-
Steel Allies Share About Their Mental Health Journeys During World Mental Health Month: Amber Sloan
Leave a CommentOctober is World Mental Health Month. With our Organization-in-Residence, Steel Smiling, we’re highlighting some “Steel Allies” who champion mental health and wellness in their communities.
-
Our Grants At Work On the Ground | Radiant Hall Equitable Artist Residency
Leave a CommentNeighborhood Allies provided a $10,600 catalytic grant to Radiant Hall to support the Knotzland Artist Residency.
-
$25,000 Grant from Wells Fargo to Bolster Economic Opportunity For All
Leave a CommentThis grant will specifically help to fund the Pittsburgh Financial Empowerment Center and Fund My Future PGH
-
Steel Allies Share About Their Mental Health Journeys During World Mental Health Month: Kevin Alton
Leave a CommentOctober is World Mental Health Month. With our Organization-in-Residence, Steel Smiling, we’re highlighting some “Steel Allies” who champion mental health and wellness in their communities.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 33
- Next Page »
