Since 1970, the Hill District Federal Credit Union has served those living in the Hill and beyond by providing financial services. When you join the Hill District Federal Credit Union, you become part of a member-owned organization built on the philosophy of people with a common bond, helping each other.
For the past 50 years, the Hill District Federal Credit Union (HDFCU) has been assisting those who live, work and worship in the Hill District to build credit and savings through innovative products and services, helping them to overcome financial barriers and meet life goals such as buying a house and going to college. Not just a financial institution, HDFCU is the only African American owned and operated financial institution in the tri-state area and provides access to credit-builder loans and emergency loans, such as their Family Protection Program, for those impacted by COVID-19. Even more importantly, as a trusted advisor and friend, Richard Witherspoon provides community and care to several generations of Hill District residents.
While the HDFCU is able to help individuals reach their financial goals, they also support local businesses, helping them with everything from lines of credit to financial advice. In fact, they have actually provided 45 lines of credit to local small businesses!
Check out this Q&A with Scott Thomas-Tunstalle, owner of Power 59 Construction!
Tell us about yourself and about your business.
Photo courtesy of kiva.org
“My name is Scott Thomas-Tunstalle. The Hill District Credit Union gave me a loan to purchase my first work truck in 2007 and a 20k line of credit in 2011 which was used to stabilize my business and expand our capacity. I grew up in the Historic Hill District. It was a close-knit community that was family oriented where business owners supported each other and engaged well with the residents. My motivation to become a successful business owner is connected to three major aspects of my life; community, family, and personal freedom.
For many years, I watched as a laborer for the Local Union, the inequality of the overall development in the residential and commercial sectors in my neighborhood as well as as other neighborhoods with the same or similar demographics. The inequality I speak of comes in many forms such as high prices, bad workmanship, lack of quality training, unprofessional lines of communication, and unethical approaches to getting the jobs completed.
Power 59 Construction LLC, offers renovation and repair services for residential and commercial properties in the Pittsburgh region. The business model is to offer a low-cost renovation and repair service, while providing quality and reliable work to all clients.
The business was launched as a limited liability company in 2011. We decided to start this business in order to have an avenue to make a change in my neighborhood.
Our customer base consists of mainly realtors, home owners, business owners, and construction companies (hired as construction managers).”
What types of things specifically did Richard help your business with?
“Richard kept my business with a strong economical foundation by guiding me on business decisions. From reviewing and editing documents to increasing my lines of credit to help with the expansion of my business. He is always busy yet never too busy to lend a ear and give advice to the entire community.”
Why do you think that the Hill District Federal Credit Union is beneficial to the Hill District and surrounding community?
“The Hill District Federal Credit Union is beneficial for the cause that it represents HOPE! It gives our community a second chance to do right. Even make a mistake or three and still be given a chance to do right.”
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs or aspiring business owners?
“I personally send EVERY entrepreneur that I deal with to speak with Richard Witherspoon and open an account with the Hill District Credit Union to build a foundation for your business and personal finances.
The Hill District Federal Credit Union is truly the cornerstone of the Historic Hill District!!!”
