ReClaim South Ambassadors ’14

The 2012 Green Toolbox Report conducted for Hilltop communities identified over 400 acres of vacant land in those neighborhoods, including two former public housing sites. The Ambassador program is one way that Grounded and the Hilltop Alliance is addressing this opportunity. Ten residents participated in a vacant land focused training program and created their own green project on vacant land.

Research shows a greener environment has a positive impact on the perception of a place as a good location to live, work or shop. The investment in these green projects can prompt new investments and lead to new development opportunities in the empty storefronts of Pittsburgh south neighborhoods.

Because these spaces are dreamt up by a neighborhood resident, voluntarily built by their neighbors and supported by the local community organizations, the hope is that these projects will be maintained for years to come and spark more community-based actions.