Non-Profit Spotlight: Paving Pathways to Local Ownership in Mt. Oliver

In August 2025, with funding from the Neighborhood Community Development Fund (NCDF), the Hilltop Revitalization Collaborative, Inc. (HRC) acquired seven commercial and mixed-use buildings along the 100–200 blocks of Brownsville Road in Mt. Oliver Borough. Previously owned by RE360, the properties were sold to HRC to support community-based redevelopment and strengthen local business districts.

HRC, a nonprofit focused on commercial real estate, works closely with Hilltop Alliance, Hilltop Economic Development Corporation, and other partners to leverage programs and resources that prepare businesses for long-term success. “The Hilltop is really a group of nonprofits who work together” shared HRC President, Ruthann L. Omer.

Revitalizing Mt. Oliver

The Hilltop area, like many neighborhoods across Allegheny County, has struggled with vacant storefronts, disinvested property, and a lack of resident ownership. Such conditions not only limit local economic growth but also weaken neighborhood identity and opportunities for generational wealth. “We recognized we wanted to build community along Brownsville Road,” said Ruthann. The challenge was clear: strengthen and stabilize existing properties so residents and small businesses can thrive—creating a pathway to local ownership while keeping these buildings and opportunities in the community long term.

Financing Mixed-Use Properties

NCDF played a critical role. “The NCDF allowed us to purchase… we couldn’t have done it without them,” said Ruthann. By providing funding, NCDF enabled HRC to immediately begin planning and carrying out renovations. The mixed-use properties include commercial space on the first floor and affordable housing for twelve residents above. HRC has retained existing tenants while actively upgrading the buildings with repaired roofs, fresh paint, modernized kitchens, and repaired locks, and windows. NCDF is also supporting energy audits through resilient financing, helping ensure these properties are energy-efficient and sustainable. The goal is to continue to renovate the buildings in the future years to ensure that when small businesses purchase them, they acquire spaces in excellent condition.

Turning Rent into Reinvestment

Beyond renovations, HRC reinvests the buildings’ rental income into building renovations and Hilltop business district programs like rent abatement grants, signage grants, marketing support, and training opportunities to help local small business owners stabilize, grow, and work toward purchasing their spaces. “Since we don’t need to satisfy an investor, we have the advantage to put money back in and really repair and start to bring these buildings up. Our goal is to get these small businesses to buy the building, and we want to make sure they’re not getting a problem—they’re getting a building with a repaired roof and updated HVAC,” explains Ruthann Omer.

HRC ensures funds stay within the community, supporting both property upkeep and local programs. By partnering with deeply rooted local organizations like HRC, NCDF expands and deepens their impact, strengthening neighborhoods, empowering residents, and fostering generational wealth across Allegheny County.