Neighborhood Allies, a community partner committed to creating and maintaining healthy neighborhoods, today announced that it has received a two-year $300,000 grant award from the KeyBank Foundation to support its investment strategy that is being developed to expand opportunity, improve resident satisfaction and confidence, and attract additional public/private capital. We expect this important investment to ultimately leverage over $1 million dollars in support of the equitable revitalization of the Upper Hill District.

Through this initiative, an Upper Hill District Healthy Neighborhood Action Plan will be produced and community revitalization projects will receive direct financial assistance and technical support. The Action Plan will be rooted in resident input, be informed my market realities and will honor the equitable revitalization principles outlined in the Greater Hill District Master Plan.

By working in close coordination with our Hill District based partners and through the formation of public-private partnerships, with the support of this grant, Neighborhood Allies will identify effective strategies, coordinate activities, and invest in projects and programs to help:

• Boost homeownership rates
• Stabilize homes
• Connect residents to promising employment opportunities
• Widen the capacity of neighborhood CDCs and
• Leverage additional resources to ensure long-term success in the Upper Hill District

“We’re pleased to support Neighborhood Allies and its community partners in the revitalization of Pittsburgh’s Upper Hill District,” said Todd Moules, Market President for KeyBank. “This neighborhood investment is a part of our commitment to improve the communities that we serve.”

This investment is part of KeyBank’s National Community Benefits Plan, which includes $16.5 billion in investments across the communities it serves, including in the Pittsburgh region. “The Hill District is a regional asset, and KeyBank’s support of equitable development opportunities will help assure that buildings are preserved for affordable homeownership,” said Marimba Milliones, president & CEO of Hill Community Development Corporation.  “This thoughtful approach improves the community and will help to prevent displacement.”