Habitat for Humanity, Uptown Partners collaborate on affordable housing in Pittsburgh's Hill District

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh and Uptown Partners of Greater Pittsburgh are creating opportunities for homeownership in the Hill District.

A two-story home at 2002 Forbes Ave. will soon be in the renovation process and will be kept completely affordable under the Habitat Pittsburgh Homeownership Program.

“This will allow a family who most likely would not be able to purchase a home to purchase a home with a 0% interest rate for 30 years,” said Dr. Howard B. Slaughter Jr., president and CEO of Habitat Pittsburgh.

Along with homeownership, the family will also complete financial literacy training. Habitat Pittsburgh has worked on homes in Homewood, the Hill District, Duquesne and more.

All of the families participating in the Homeownership Program must complete 350 hours of sweat equity. “So that means they will work on their home. They may work on other families’ homes, but it’s a way to emphasize the importance of giving back not just for yourself, but for others as well,” Slaughter said.

The homes will take about four months to complete, according to Slaughter.

“We want to make sure that we do a total rehab,” Slaughter said.

The partnership began after McAuley Ministries saw one of the homes Habitat Pittsburgh renovated during an open house in the Larimer neighborhood and connected them with Uptown Partners.

“I knew they would be an amazing partner for the communities we serve. I am thrilled about this new partnership with Uptown Partners and the opportunities it opens for our neighbors,” said Marisol Valentin, executive director of McAuley Ministries, which is a grant foundation that is part of Pittsburgh Mercy, a social service program dedicated to creating healthy and safe communities.

Slaughter said the collaboration really emphasizes the importance of partnerships throughout the city. “They had the property, but we have the construction and the resources. And together we’re going to be able to help a family and make sure that the property stays affordable,” he said.

The down payment is $950. Habitat will also provide the mortgage financing. The home will be a two-story, three-bedroom and one-and-a-half-bath home. Habitat for Humanity is also working with the Pittsburgh Land Bank.

“This home will set a precedent for what is possible in other neighborhoods in the future,” Slaughter said. “It was a win-win for all of us. And there are opportunities to do more of these. And that’s why we’re excited about what we are embarking upon.

“The message is resonating with other communities.”