top of page

Media Advisory and Press Release: Groundbreaking with Pittsburgh Land Bank and Habitat Pittsburgh

  • Writer: Habitat Pittsburgh
    Habitat Pittsburgh
  • Jun 18
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 23

MEDIA ADVISORY:

Groundbreaking Ceremony to Celebrate New Partnership with Pittsburgh Land Bank and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh


When: June 20, 2025 at 10am

Where: 544 Lincoln Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Who: Mayor Ed Gainey; Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, Jr., President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh; Senator Wayne Fontana; members of Habitat Pittsburgh’s Board of Directors; and Pittsburgh Land Bank Chairman and board member representatives

Why: Commemorate the groundbreaking of two homes on the first property purchased by Habitat Pittsburgh from the Pittsburgh Land Bank. The development aims at revitalizing the Larimer neighborhood and expanding affordable housing options in Pittsburgh. Leaders will discuss the project’s impact, community benefits, and future plans.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Pittsburgh Land Bank Sells Two Vacant Parcels to Habitat for Humanity to Build Affordable Homes in Larimer

Groundbreaking Ceremony to Celebrate New Construction on Former Vacant Lots


PITTSBURGH, PA — June 20, 2025 — The Pittsburgh Land Bank has completed the sale of two vacant parcels in the Larimer neighborhood to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh, supporting the development of new affordable housing for families completing Habitat Pittsburgh’s consumer financial literacy education classes. As one of the Land Bank’s first fifty buyers, Habitat Pittsburgh played an essential role in helping refine and strengthen the property acquisition process.


A groundbreaking ceremony will take place on June 20, 2025 at 10:00 am at the corner of Lincoln and Shetland Avenues (15206) across from Sixth Mt. Zion Church. This will mark the continuation of safe, decent and quality affordable housing for families in Larimer.


City of Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said, “The strength of Larimer lies in its people—families who’ve invested in this community for generations. Through the Pittsburgh Land Bank’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh, we’re not just building homes—we’re building futures. This collaboration is helping ensure that longtime residents and new homeowners alike have the opportunity to thrive right here in Larimer.”


“This transaction represents not just the sale of land, but a meaningful step forward in how we work with mission-driven affordable housing partners,” said Councilman Bobby Wilson, Chair of the Pittsburgh Land Bank (PLB) Board. “We’re grateful to Habitat Pittsburgh, the largest Habitat in Southwestern Pennsylvania for their patience and consistency as we worked through this process collaboratively. The Pittsburgh Land Bank looks forward to making more properties available for affordable housing in the future.”


Through the Land Bank’s more efficient property transfer process, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh will now be able to build two single-family homes, which will be sold to low-to-moderate income families who successfully completes Habitat Pittsburgh’s comprehensive homeownership program, including the requirement to compete 350 hours of sweat equity.


“We’re ecstatic to work alongside the Pittsburgh Land Bank to bring these lots back to life,” said Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, Jr., President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh. “This partnership allows us to synchronize our collective affordable housing experience and resources with the PLB’s vision for equitable development. Homeowners have a median net worth that is 40 times higher than renters and this development means more families will experience increased net worth, be a catalyst for generational wealth, and the achievement of their lifelong aspirations of first-time homeownership.”


Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh's mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope in Allegheny County. Their vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to call home.


Councilman Khari Mosley, who represents the Larimer neighborhood, added: “This development shows the power of public-private collaboration. I was invited by Dr. Slaughter to tour several Habitat Pittsburgh sites in Larimer and in Homewood and their work is extraordinarily impressive. The Land Bank makes the land accessible. Habitat Pittsburgh finances and builds the home and together we’re delivering real solutions to the affordable housing crisis.”


These two homes will support the ongoing revitalization of Larimer, contributing to the neighborhood’s long-term stability and growth.


ABOUT THE PITTSBURGH LAND BANK

The Pittsburgh Land Bank works to return vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties to productive use in ways that support neighborhood goals, including affordable housing, equitable development, and community stabilization.


ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER PITTSBURGH

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh is a nonprofit that provides decent, affordable homeownership and home repair opportunities for families in Allegheny County earning a low-income. Since 1986, we have partnered with local families, volunteers, and donors to provide homeownership to 115 families and repaired over 160 homes. Our programs build strength, stability, self-reliance, and shelter. We are an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global nonprofit with over 1,000 local and state organizations and 70 international offices. To learn more, visit www.habitatpittsburgh.org.

Comments


Commenting on this post isn't available anymore. Contact the site owner for more info.
  • Facebook - White Circle
  • Twitter - White Circle
  • YouTube - White Circle
  • Instagram - White Circle

6435 Frankstown Ave, Suite 100

Pittsburgh, PA 15206

412-450-8520

OUR MISSION is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope in Allegheny County.

OUR VISION is a world where everyone has a decent place to call home.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. Any charitable gifts are tax-deductible. 

Equal Housing.png
Equal Opportunity Employer.png
bottom of page