Built by us.Owned by us.Staying with us.
We bring the voice of the Hill District to the decisions that shape it. We inform, engage, and connect neighbors so the people who live here build the Hill's future and share in its value.
From Land to Legacy
Own the Hill. Keep the Hill.
A community housing framework that turns vacant property into homes for Hill District families, helps residents get ready to buy, and protects the homeowners who are already here.
Four steps, one pathway
- Secure the land. Vacant homes and lots are identified and held for Hill District buyers.
- Prepare the home. Homes are repaired or built, with local contractors first in line.
- Prepare the buyer. Residents get ready to own through education and coaching.
- Protect the legacy. Owners get support to stay and pass their homes on.
What we do
Inform
We share clear, timely information about development, housing, and public decisions affecting the Hill.
Engage
We host Development Activities Meetings and community forums where residents weigh in before decisions are made.
Connect
We link neighbors to programs for home repair, aging in place, homeownership, and small business growth.
From Land to Legacy
Own the Hill. Keep the Hill.
From Land to Legacy is a community approach to homeownership and generational wealth in the Hill District. It turns vacant and neglected property into homes for Hill District families, gets residents ready to buy, and helps current owners stay in their homes and pass them to the next generation.
Why it matters
The Hill District has a proud history of homeownership that was interrupted by redevelopment, disinvestment, and displacement. Today, new investment is arriving while usable housing is limited and many lots sit empty.
Long-time owners face rising costs, aging homes, and unclear titles. From Land to Legacy makes sure that as the Hill grows, the families who built it are the ones who own it and benefit from it.
The pathway, step by step
The four steps run at the same time, so homes and buyers are ready together.
Secure the land
Neighbors help identify vacant homes and lots block by block. Property is acquired in coordination with the Pittsburgh Land Bank and held for Hill District buyers and community builders, not speculators.
Prepare the home
Homes are repaired or newly built by community developers, with Hill District contractors and workers first in line. Buyers taking on their own rehab get guidance along the way.
Prepare the buyer
Residents receive homebuyer education, credit and budget coaching, and help finding financing that fits. Ready buyers are matched with ready homes.
Protect the legacy
New and current owners get support with home repair, aging in place, wills and estate planning, clearing family titles, and avoiding tax or mortgage trouble, so homes stay in the family.
Who it's for
Current homeowners
Especially seniors and long-time owners who need repairs, help staying in place, or a plan to pass their home on.
Residents who want to buy
Hill District residents and families with roots in the Hill who are ready, or getting ready, to own a home.
Partners
Community developers, contractors, lenders, housing counselors, legal and estate planning professionals, funders, and volunteers.
What guides us
- Hill families first. Residents and families with generational ties come first, within fair housing law.
- Ownership over speculation. Homes go to people who will live in them.
- Wealth that stays. Investment is structured to benefit families and the neighborhood for the long term.
- Keep who is here. Protecting current owners matters as much as creating new ones.
- Built local. Hill District contractors and workers are prioritized.
- Led by the community. Hill District organizations share decisions.
- Open results. Progress is reported to the community every year.
Common questions
Does it cost anything to sign up?
No. Signing up is free and does not commit you to anything. It lets us contact you as services and opportunities open.
What happens after I sign up?
Our team reviews your information and reaches out about the parts of the program that fit you, along with upcoming info sessions and workshops.
I already own my home. Is this for me?
Yes. Helping current owners repair, stay, and plan for the next generation is a core part of the program.
Is the program open now?
From Land to Legacy is launching in phases. Signing up now puts you first in line as each part opens.
Be part of the build
Whether you want to keep your home, buy your first one, or help make it happen, start here.
Tools to build, stay, and grow
Programs that help Hill District residents own, keep, and grow what they build.
From Land to Legacy
Our homeownership and generational wealth framework, from vacant property to family legacy.
Learn moreDevelopment workshops
Workshops that explain how development works in the Hill, from zoning and financing to reading a project proposal, so residents can weigh in with confidence.
Home repair initiative
Connecting homeowners, especially seniors and long-time owners, to repair resources that keep homes safe, healthy, and livable.
Aging in place
Home safety checks, modifications, and support services that help older neighbors stay in the homes and community they love.
Hill District Forward
Entrepreneurship cohorts, a paid Hill Voices Fellowship, and community education that build local business and leadership.
Senior support and connection
Partnerships like Senior Jazz Connection bring music, food, and resources to older residents.
See the Sept. 18 eventYour voice shapes the Hill
Development Activities Meetings give residents a seat at the table before projects move forward. Come to a meeting, or share your thoughts below.
Development Activities Meetings
As a Registered Community Organization, the Hill District Collaborative hosts public meetings where developers present projects and residents ask questions and give feedback. Your input becomes part of the record the City considers.
- Hear about proposed projects early
- Ask questions directly of developers
- Share support, concerns, and ideas
- Stay informed on the Greater Hill District Master Plan
Share your voice
Tell us what you think about development, housing, safety, or anything affecting the Hill. Comments go to our team.
Community calendar
Meetings, info sessions, and gatherings across the Hill. Tap a highlighted date to jump to it.
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Red dates have events.
Upcoming
Invest in the Hill
Your support funds home repair, aging in place services, homebuyer readiness, and resident-led planning.
Individual donors
Gifts of any size help neighbors stay in their homes and build wealth that lasts.
Foundations and funders
Partner with us on From Land to Legacy, Hill District Forward, and aging in place programming.
Businesses and institutions
Sponsor events, provide pro bono services, or hire local through our programs.
Sign up to take part
Tell us a little about yourself. Our team will follow up about the opportunities that fit you. Signing up is free and does not commit you to anything.