Community Keystones Posted on November 20, 2019 by Anna Archer Blog by Sean Cuff, Policy Fellow In early August, I interviewed CommunityCare Steward and long-time Larimer resident Tab Duckett outside his adopted lots near Thompson and Joseph Streets. He and his lawnmower have been fixtures of the community, and represent the outsized role neighbors have had to take on to keep their blocks maintained. He was born and raised in the neighborhood. In between at least ten horn honks, waves, and “hey there’s” with passersby, we talked about how the…Read More
Hazelwood Garden Planting Come help Grounded and residents of the Hazelwood community finish the green stormwater infrastructure implementation on Chatsworth Ave! This day will primarily focus on planting and mulching. Read More
Flowers Avenue GSI Planting Come help Grounded and residents of the Hazelwood community finish the green stormwater infrastructure implementation in Hazelwood. This day will focus on planting, mulching and adding protective fencing around small shrubs. Come help us make a difference in the lives of our neighbors!Read More
RVP Reflection Series: Shequaya’s POV Posted on November 4, 2019 by wpengine The Grounded team attended the Reclaiming Vacant Properties (RVP) Conference in Atlanta at the beginning of October. During their time at the conference, the team learned valuable information that they would like to share! The following video is Shequaya sharing her experience at the conference.Read More
RVP Reflection Series: Ashley’s Experience Posted on October 28, 2019 by wpengine Author: Ashley Seiler Upon entering the RVP convention I was blown away by the number of people that were in attendance. After mingling and a quick look at the art exhibit displayed, I headed to one of the many sessions. The session that resonated with me the most was Community-Driven Visioning to Reclaim Vacant Properties in Fort Wayne and Philadelphia. The two presenters that stood out most to me during this session were Rena Bradley and Alexa Boss. I enjoyed…Read More
RVP Reflection Series: Odera’s Takeaways Posted on October 22, 2019 by wpengine Author: Odera Igwe The Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference (RVP) was a national conference dedicated to creating community cohesion through new strategies to transform vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties into community assets. This conference was a great opportunity for me to meet people all over the US who specialize in different aspects regarding the revitalization of vacant land; law, youth engagement, community advocacy, architecture, and more. The first session I attended was Community-Driven Visioning: A design thinking approach, and was probably…Read More
Work Day @ Morning Star Baptist Church-Hazelwood! Come join the Grounded team as we work alongside TMC-Pittsburgh's Hazelwood Platoon to finalize our year-long effort at The Morning Star Baptist Church! We will be completing the revitalization of the once-vacant lot next to the church before the weather gets too cold. Our goal is to do some planting, complete the youth activity area, and remove any trash and refuse from inside and outside of the church. Please come dressed in clothes you would not mind getting dirty! All…Read More
RVP Reflection Series: Ariam’s Vlog Posted on October 16, 2019 by wpengine The Grounded team attended the Reclaiming Vacant Properties (RVP) Conference in Atlanta at the beginning of the month. During their time at the conference, the team learned valuable information that they would like to share! Check out the vlog below for Ariam's perspective!Read More
Planting Seeds for the Future Posted on October 7, 2019 by Masoud Sayles Pittsburgh, as the nation within which it resides, has a storied past awash with inequality. Both here and in the United States at large, a great deal of this inequity stems from the fact that the means of production (mainly land) are controlled by a small number of people relative to the total population. Historically, this has been the case for just about as long as this country has existed. As our worries mount in the face of climate instability,…Read More
Make this West End Lot SHINE Volunteer work day on the Together We Shine lot in central Sheraden. Tasks include landscaping, picket fence painting and construction, pebble mosaic craft for kids. Something for everyone. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing ready for painting. The lot will be a Green Playce that encourages kids to move and play. RSVP and learn more by contacting Rebecca at rebecca@groundedpgh.org or 412-361-2099 x 2#. Location: 1111 Fairdale St, Pittsburgh, PA 15204Read More
Hilltop Community Unity Land Lab Come one; Come All! To Celebrate Community Unity at the Grape Street Garden in the rear of Carnegie Library of Knoxville. We will have free games, prizes, and good times in the garden! Free Food and Free community resource tips from professionals and guides provided. Bring the children out for an evening of fun and education. #LandLabisLand Goodness!Read More
Where the Wild Things Were… and Could be Again Posted on May 6, 2019 by Masoud Sayles As humanity has tightened its grip on Earth, we have been party to the loss of many species. While many of us are aware of the cautionary tales of the dodo and the Tasmanian tiger, we are blind to the processes that led to their extinction. In seeking to fulfill our desires (for space, for goods, for control over the natural environment) we too often fail to consider the needs of the system that sustains us: the dodo, for example,…Read More