Mission
The mission of Rosedale Block Cluster, Inc. is to improve the quality of life for the residents of Homewood South communities that strengthen Families and promotes individual and family growth and development. RBC will implement Community and Economic Development programs, Family and Youth Development programs that strengthen our Families and create a stable living environment in Homewood South communities.
History
The Rosedale Block Cluster, Inc. (RBC) is a grassroots organization nestled in the far southern corner of Homewood-Brushton, a corner once known as one of the highest crime areas in the history of the city of Pittsburgh. The community refused to accept that designation. The community members went to the corners and court to encourage change. Following many years of holding vigils on crime infested corners and being the first group to use the Nuisance Bar Statute, there was notable change in the Rosedale-Tioga Corridor, surrounding communities and boroughs.
Within 18 months of being the first group to use the Nuisance Bar Statute, crime in all categories dropped by 95%. At the same time the community identified a facility that could house the first community center in the corridor. The elders put up their social security checks to gain site control. With substantial investments from community residents, foundations, financial institutions, government and many others, RBC initiated the first economic development in 30 years. Our youth played a material role in reversing the blight by cleaning and greening more than 60 acres of crime infested vacant and abandoned sites.
The youth started out cleaning lots and their work evolved into a skilled fee generating social enterprise. The Rosedale Landscape, Horticulture, Agriculture, Training and Employment Program, was the first in the community, along with the first center-based early childhood development program. The youths’ work has been naturally diversified to include an urban farm near the Braddock Avenue truck route and the first plant production room in the community. It is a critical component to a path of opportunity and enrichment for all community members. The journey continues towards, an inclusive, cleaner, greener, safer, happier and economically productive community for all community members.
Supporters
Allegheny Foundation, Allegheny Policy Council and Youth Employment Alliance, Charles M. Morris Trust, Community Technical Assistance Center, Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA), Community Training & Assistance Center, Inc. (Boston, MA), Copeland Fund, City of Pittsburgh, CDBG, SYETP, ACCBO, Grants & Donations, Dollar Bank, Eden Hall Foundation, Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Integra Bank, Mark Brewer Landscaping, Mellon Bank, Mellon Financial Corporation, National City Bank, Anonymous, Pittsburgh City Council, Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development, PNC Advisors Charitable Trust, PNC Foundation, PNC Bank, Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (USA), Rodney Hermann, Sr., Shadyside Presbyterian Church, Simon & Florence Hafner Foundation, Simon Hafner Foundation,State Representative, Joseph Preston Jr., The Community Design Center of Pittsburgh, The Grable Foundation, The Howard Heinz Endowment, Anonymous, The Pittsburgh Foundation, The Richard King Mellon Foundation, United Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh,United Way/Early Childhood Initiative (ECI), Urban Redevelopment Authority, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Vira I. Heinz Endowment