Since 1901 when H.J. Heinz opened a recreational and social club for primarily immigrant youth living on Pittsburgh's North Side — what is known today as the Sarah Heinz House — the Heinz family and their philanthropic entities have prioritized strengthening resource-challenged populations and communities across southwestern Pennsylvania.
Today, the Endowments' Community & Economic Development (CED) strategy drives equitable community development through anti-displacement models, innovative housing solutions and strategic partnerships that keep long-time residents rooted in place while fostering sustainable growth. For nearly 20 years, CED has led the Endowments' commitment to the redevelopment of Hazelwood Green, a 178-acre former steel industry brownfield site, while supporting community improvements and anti-displacement strategies deployed by local leaders in the adjacent Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Hazelwood and Glen Hazel. Together, these efforts are successfully revitalizing a historically disinvested community and brownfield for both new and existing residents.
The Endowments is currently refining its CED strategy. A key principle of the refreshed program will be leveraging the lessons and best practices from our Hazelwood work to other strategic places across the region, spanning urban and rural communities.