July 2021

Your weekend read! Community Appreciation Day, Artist Information Session, Construction Training Programs

The Lower Hill District News & Updates July 2021 What a busy month July has been! As the Lower Hill Redevelopment Team closes on its financial and land take downs, the First Source Center has been robust with opportunities flowing into the center and into individual lives. We have persons heading into the Pharmacy Tech program at CVS, with a beautiful training facility at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Others are headed into the “Introduction to the Construction Trades” classes, where they receive $30/day and a free bus pass, assistance with life skills and almost any supplemental service an applicant may need. As unemployment comes to an end and evictions are made possible again, now is the time for those who need it to better secure your future with a quality, life-sustaining job that will ensure you never have to worry about poverty again. For entrepreneurs bidding on the Lower Hill site, now is the time to level up and secure that larger contract you have always wanted, get into the union and better secure your financial future as well. The opportunities are here and the time! Let’s get it done! Have you heard our radio ad yet? Keep an ear out when listening to WAMO 107.3 It was written by our own playwright-in-residence, Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis. RECENT NEWS First Source Center is Open for Business in the Historic Hill House! A Central Location for Jobs, Training, Access and Opportunities in the Lower Hill  Tuesday: 10 AM - 3:30 PM Wednesday: 10 AM - 8 PM Thursday: 10 AM - 3:30 PM 1835 Centre Ave. Pittsburgh PA, 15219 Located in the heart of the Hill District, blocks away from the 28-acre Lower Hill District redevelopment, the First Source Center's mission is to provide a central location for residents to obtain better access to job opportunities, career training, and pathways to construction, professional and service-related employment. 412-223-7890 Find out more Attention Artists! Check out this virtual information session with Lower Hill Director of Community, Arts and Culture, Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis, Architectural Design Consultant, LaKeisha Byrd and Project Manager, Craig Dunham, to learn more about becoming a part of the Lower Hill Redevelopment. Information about opportunities related to the Open Space, Curtain Call Submissions and artist/entrepreneur activities including vending is discussed.  Download the presentation PDF here. Submit questions art for the Curtain Call here. Wealth Building Wednesdays What does commercial real estate look like post-pandemic? In this kick-off episode of Wealth Building Wednesdays join host, Bomani Howze, VP of Development for BPG as he talks with Chris Buccini, Co-President of the Buccini/Pollin Group about his journey as a real estate developer. Learn what's on the horizon for the Lower Hill District redevelopment and commercial real estate post-pandemic.  For more information or to submit your wealth building questions go here CONSTRUCTION RESOURCES Line of Credit Program Small contractors - These monies can help you bid on a project that might otherwise be inaccessible to you! Currently the URA is targeting small businesses with less than $500K in annual revenues per year who may not have access to traditional lines of credit for the Avenues of Hope program. See the attached the flyer (right) and guidelines for the program. Contractors can feel free to reach out to the URA directly with questions by contacting Lynnette Morris, lmorris@ura.org, 412.255.6547.     More information can be found on our website:  https://www.ura.org/pages/small-contractor-line-of-credit-program   The application for the program can be found here. Find more resources for small business here Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program The Introduction to the Construction Trades – Pre apprentice program is proud to announce that 100% of the last cohort (June 30th commencement) started working within 2 weeks of completing the course as apprentices or on the job training positions as members of a skilled labor union. Open enrollment is year round. We are actively accepting applications/registrations for the next cohort which begins on September 15th. We are tentatively planning a Fall cohort based on demand. Contact the First Source Center (412) 223-7890 to begin your enrollment into this program! Or cite this newsletter as your source of information when you call or begin the application online!   Click here to apply online Literacy Pittsburgh Literacy Pittsburgh' Trade Up program has been created to bridge the gap for individuals who do not have a high school diploma that most unions require for acceptance.   Paid Stipend Fee GED Preparation Class Computer Lending Paid GED test fee Introduction to the construction trades pre-apprenticeship training course Guaranteed entry to trade apprenticeship program upon successful completion Find out more here APRI's Breaking The Chains of Poverty BTCP Program & Introduction to the Construction Trades Without education, workforce training, decent employment and livable wages many individuals do not have the opportunity to escape from poverty, own their own homes or adequately support their families. Our program equips those who are traditionally disenfranchised or discouraged from participation with a new sense of democracy, education and opportunities. Our goal is to create self-sufficient individuals and families. The United Steelworkers partnered with the Pittsburgh APRI Education Fund and began the Breaking the Chains of Poverty (BTCP) program in 2009. This program has successfully served more than 170 individuals and has placed 62% of those individuals in jobs. To enter into the A. Philip Randolph Institute's Introduction to the Construction Trades, where you are GUARENTEED work, immediately after completing the training, call the First Source Center at (412) 223-7890! Find out more here ICYMI - Final due date is August 6 In case you missed it! We in collaboration with PJ Dick, Massaro and Mascaro Construction have held a number of bidding information sessions. After each session, we will post all the resources on our website. Final due date for bidding is August 6th, 2021. Matt Corace of BPG will be available to answer questions Wednesday morning, August 4th, so you can finalize your bids. EVENTS See you at Community Appreciation Day, August, 21 2021! The Lower Hill Redevelopment Team will be in attendance with a table, our street team and a special presentation from our partners at State Representative Jake Wheatley’s Community Appreciation Day and Health and Wellness Weekend! We look forward to seeing everyone’s participation in the Hill 5k and at Kennard Field! Come by and see us for exciting news about the First Source Center successes, all of the opportunities from the Lower Hill and the way we are bringing it home for the team! Questions, Comments or Content Suggestions? Send us your feedback at LowerHillOpportunities@bpgroup.net. We will do our best to answer quickly and accurately. Your question may just be featured in our next newsletter! Sign Up for the Newsletter ‌ ‌ ‌ The Lower Hill Redevelopment Project Team | Lower Hill Redevelopment