Hilltop Rising secures funding for 744 E. Warrington Ave.
URA provides $302,000 through Avenues of Hope, Pittsburgh Business Fund
Pittsburgh, PA — Hilltop Community Holdings LLC has received $302,000 from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to purchase 744 E. Warrington Ave. in Allentown. The space will be used for South Hilltop Men’s Group and Hilltop Rising’s workforce development training and certification programs, and content creation for Hilltop Media, which has a focus on working with youth in the area.
The funding was provided through two URA programs: $164,000 from the Avenues of Hope Commercial Real Estate Program and $138,000 from the Pittsburgh Business Fund.
“This collaboration extends beyond bricks and mortar. Hilltop Rising isn’t just about a building; it’s about building up a community. This project is set to catalyze the growth of multiple businesses, foster the creation of at least six new job opportunities, and provide two affordable apartments, breathing life into East Warrington Avenue,” said Siena Kane, Assistant Director of Commercial Lending, URA.
Hilltop Rising and South Hilltop Men’s Group (SHMG) have partnered with New Sun Rising (NSR) and Neighborhood Allies since 2015, receiving support through capacity building, professional development, and access to loans and grants. In 2017, NSR became the owner of 744 E. Warrington Ave. with a goal of transitioning the property to long-term community ownership and use.
“In this endeavor, the URA joined hands with Neighborhood Allies, our invaluable technical assistance partner, to ensure that this transformative vision becomes a reality. Together, we are planting the seeds of opportunity, growth, and prosperity, and we look forward to witnessing the vibrant impact that Hilltop Rising will have on the Allentown community and beyond,” Kane said.
About South Hilltop Men’s Group/Hilltop Rising LLC: Founded in 2015 by Jmar Bey and Christian Nowlin, the South Hilltop Men’s Group is a non-profit project of New Sun Rising working to support the responsible and inclusive revitalization of Pittsburgh. They provide job training, employment opportunities and promote environmental protection through community programs that teach sustainable practices.
About New Sun Rising: New Sun Rising envisions a vibrant and equitable future where communities are sustainable and have access to the resources necessary to thrive. We collaborate with communities to build capacity, access funding, and embrace data-informed approaches towards their own vibrant future. Learn more at newsunrising.org.
About Neighborhood Allies: Neighborhood Allies’ vision is for all neighborhoods to be resilient, thriving and equitable. Our mission is to engage Pittsburgh area residents and organizations with innovative tools that expand opportunity for transformative community change. We believe the elimination of barriers begins with uplifting creative community ideas. We promise to create pathways of opportunity that lead to healthy neighborhoods. For more information, visit: neighborhoodallies.org.