We want to express our immense gratitude to Bank of America for their recent grant award to Neighborhood Allies!
This funding will support the continued expansion and enhancement of the Real Estate Co-Powerment Series, a 7-week community education program which aims to:
- Demystify the real estate development process.
- Demonstrate how community members can participate in and benefit from their own neighborhood revitalization.
- Help get active projects across the finish line.
The series boasts over 300 graduates who have created more than 100 projects and accessed over $475,000 in public funding.
Supporting Affordable Housing Solutions
The series also builds local capacity for housing creation and preservation in historically disinvested neighborhoods by equipping participants with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to create positive impact in their communities.
Currently, five Real Estate Co-Powerment Series Graduates have affordable housing development projects underway, adding up to over 50 new, affordable units coming to low-to-moderate income communities very soon.
Sylvie Celeste Deaderick, President and CEO of PA Home Matters, is leading a project in Duquesne that will bring 10 affordable two-bedroom units to the community and Tyian Battle, owner of Half the Battle, LLC., is working to add 4 brand new units of affordable housing to the Hill District.
“The Real Estate Co-Powerment Series gave me the tools and confidence to submit our award-winning PHARE Grant application. I’d started the project out of pocket without support until Neighborhood Allies’ predevelopment grant. The cohort empowered me to apply and win PHFA’s very competitive grant for affordable housing.” – Sylvie Deaderick, PA Home Matters.
“Completing the [Real Estate Co-Powerment] series, applying for the predevelopment funding with Neighborhood Allies, and implementing the funding has gotten me where I am today.” – Tyian Battle, Half the Battle, LLC.
Testimonials from Graduates
“This course offers excellent step-by-step guidance and valuable resources for real estate developers.”
“The presenters and their presentations were filled with great detail and insight that provided great direction and discussion on the many steps necessary for success in the real estate industry.”
“Great aspects of the phases of real estate sector from a beginner’s lens!”
Expanding Opportunity
This grant will jump start the delivery of two new cohorts in 2026, reaching 40 new participants, while expanding project-level technical assistance, mentorship, and alumni engagement efforts. Additionally, it will help us pilot a second-tier course for advanced graduates and strengthen pathways to funding sources that support affordable housing development and preservation efforts. Ultimately, this grant will equip more residents and emerging developers with the tools and support needed to create and preserve affordable housing in their communities.
Thank you, Bank of America, for investing in this vital, community-led work!
