In 1968, the collective efforts of Northside Pittsburgh residents led to the creation of the first Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) organization. Dorothy Mae Richardson was among the many who knew her community was valuable, and she was ready to take the lead in protecting it. To achieve her goal, she brought together neighbors, local government officials, and bank staff to find a solution. They persuaded the banks to extend loans to residents previously labeled “unbankable” so they could improve their homes or buy them from slumlords. She created a new model of community development, centering on the rights of residents to safe, healthy and affordable housing options. This symposium will be an opportunity to reconnect to our organization’s origins, recommit to community, and bring the focus back to residents like Dorothy Richardson, who continue to fight tirelessly for underserved and under-resourced neighborhoods across the country. Throughout this inspiring day, we’ll discuss:
We’ll draw on the important experiences of Dorothy Richardson awardees, Community Leadership Institute participants and other influential members of communities across the country who are working to make a difference.