The
Hilltop Alliance came together in September 2009 to unite in-crisis South Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
The umbrella group, which receives funding from the Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development, held several community dialogue events in the fall (attended by well over 100 residents), and is now moving on to addressing the concerns that came out of those conversations.
Major issues include addressing redevelopment of vacant properties, and establishing a one-stop shop where residents can access all available services. Another concern, says Sara Bennett with Hilltop Alliance, is the preservation of housing.
"In 2008, I believe, we had 99 foreclosures up here. Foreclosure is a big problem on the Hilltop," says Bennett. "We also have declining home ownership--it's now at about 64 percent--and have a 25 percent poverty rate. We're hoping people can utilize the services we're presenting to help them manage their money and buy homes or keep their homes."
The Hilltop Alliance--along with Action-Housing, Inc., NeighborWorks and the Brashear Association--is coordinating services to help Hilltop residents preserve housing assets and lower home energy costs.
Through its Coordinated Weatherization Campaign, Action-Housing will be helping families in the Hilltop apply for free energy audits/retrofits. NeighborWorks will be offering free budget, credit and foreclosure preventing counseling. And Brashear Association will be providing case management services, including helping families to apply for Dollar Energy, a program to help families afford their utility bills.
Hilltop Alliance will be introducing the community to these services at an event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thurs., March 11 at ElderAdo senior center, 320 Brownsville Rd in Knoxville.
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Writer: Caralyn Green
Source: Sara Bennett, community organizer, Hilltop Alliance
Photograph courtesy of Hilltop Alliance