On June 24th, the community of Enright Court, located across from the post office in East Liberty, will become a hub of activity as multiple organizations roll up their sleeves to take on tasks large and small to improve the homes and common areas of this residential community.
Enright Court, a 98-unit complex built by Ryan Homes in 1972, was one of a few Section 2235 developments in Pittsburgh and one of hundreds nationwide. Section 235 was added to the National Housing Act in 1968 and created a mortgage interest subsidy program for low-income families to buy their first home. By many accounts, Enright Court was one of the more successful 235 developments in the country. However, over the years, the lack of a homeowner’s association, an aging population, little attention from the City, and the struggles of crime and drugs have taken their toll on the Enright Court development.
In 2016, staff from East Liberty Development Inc. (ELDI) with support from Councilman Ricky Burgess began meeting with a small group of homeowners who hoped to bring Enright Court back to its original glory and intent. Enright now boasts a very active group of homeowners who attract 30+ community members to monthly meetings and improvements are beginning to be made.
During the week of June 24th, an interfaith group of 24 teens and adults from Maryland called DreamBuilders, will join the homeowners and residents of Enright Court to work on housing facades, windows, fences, and the often-overlooked common areas. They will also be joined by volunteers and staff from Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, the Wilkinsburg Sanctuary Project, and ELDI throughout the work week. A Sunday evening church service, a Tuesday evening cookout, a Wednesday evening tour of Pittsburgh, and a Friday evening Shabbat service will also be part of the DreamBuilder’s week.
The build week will kick off on Monday, June 24th with an opening ceremony at 8 am in the development. Homeowners, youth and adult volunteers, and ELDI staff and board members will be present at the ceremony and available throughout the week for questions and interviews.
We hope to see you there!
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About DreamBuilders
Since their founding in 2002, DreamBuilders has touched the lives of more than 300 people. A group of Maryland religious organizations, they organize and participate in construction-based mission projects locally, nationally, and internationally. Their volunteers have worked on 100+ homes across the U.S. and around the globe. From New Mexico to New Orleans to New England, they partner with many community and national organizations – such as Habitat for Humanity and AmeriCorps – to provide housing for individuals and families. Summer mission trips are made up of two-thirds teens and one-third adults, and a number of missioners volunteer year after year. DreamBuilders’ vision is to have 500 missioners ready and willing to travel anywhere in the world to build or rebuild homes for those in need. For more information visit https://dreambuildersmd.org/.