One thing we pride ourselves on at ELDI is that 38% of rental housing in East Liberty is long-term affordable—a fact most would never guess. The East Liberty we were tasked with revitalizing more than 25 years ago was struggling with crime, vacancy, and abandonment, and one of the major challenges lay in the neighborhood’s urban renewal-era high-rises: Liberty Park, East Mall, and Penn Circle Apartments. These poorly managed buildings led to concentrated poverty and instability. Many long-time residents still recall being afraid to drive under the East Mall High Rise, which once straddled Penn Avenue, for fear of something falling on their car.
When we began redeveloping East Liberty, we listened closely to those residents. And again and again, we heard the same desire: a mixed-income community where everyone—regardless of income—has access to high-quality housing.
More than two decades later, that vision has largely been realized. From East Liberty Place South to Cornerstone Village and Dad’s House, affordable housing in East Liberty today is as beautiful as it is inclusive.
At Dad’s House—an eight-unit supportive complex for unhoused fathers located on East Liberty Boulevard—property manager Jeanine McCreary plays a key role in making that vision a reality every day. Property management doesn’t always get the spotlight in community development, but it’s one of the unsung roles that keeps neighborhoods thriving. The care and consistency that property managers bring are what turn affordable housing into lasting homes—ensuring that buildings stay well-maintained, residents feel supported, and the sense of community continues long after the ribbon-cutting.
Below, we dive into a typical day in McCreary’s world to understand what it takes to keep our neighborhood’s properties—and the people who call them home—cared for and in top shape.
From community development to property management
McCreary’s journey into property management wasn’t something she planned, rather, it grew naturally from her lifelong commitment to community service.
“This wasn’t a calculated career move; it was an organic evolution driven by trust and opportunity,” she explains.
After earning business degrees from Penn State University, McCreary began her career in community development, working with United Way as a Neighborhood Impact Manager and later serving as Vice President of Community Development at PNC Bank.
Her transition into property management came unexpectedly when a former landlord, impressed with how she cared for her own unit, asked her to manage one of his buildings.
“That experience taught me that effective property management is less about maintenance and more about proactive relationship management,” she says.
That philosophy eventually led her to earn her real-estate license, purchase her first duplex, and manage a variety of affordable and mixed-income properties—from Section 8 and LIHTC housing to senior developments and cooperatives.
Beyond her work as a property manager, McCreary has also served on a wide range of boards of directors, from state-level organizations to local foundations and school boards, addressing issues like homelessness, education, and poverty. These experiences reinforced her understanding that housing stability is central to community well-being.
“Everything I learned about community stability and human dignity informs how I manage homes today, making property management a true form of community service,” she shared.
What makes Dad’s House different
When McCreary stepped into her role at Dad’s House in 2022, she immediately sensed something special.
“I didn’t just see an apartment building,” she recalls. “I saw a launchpad built on a strong foundation.”
Developed through a collaboration between ELDI and the East End Cooperative Ministry back in 2008, Dad’s House offers modern, secure-access units for veterans, single fathers, and other residents working to rebuild stability. Each apartment features open-concept layouts, high-quality finishes, and even balconies—amenities that rival market-rate housing while remaining affordable.
“Dad’s House isn’t just about the physical space,” McCreary emphasizes. “It embodies a mission of supportive, stable housing integrated with social services.”
This combination of quality housing and wraparound support is exactly what residents like Andrew needed. A disabled veteran, Andrew required a wheelchair-accessible space and a calmer environment where he could gain a sense of stability.
“Where I was living before was too chaotic with a lot of people doing drugs,” Andrew shared. “Dad’s House has been very peaceful—and now I have a support system from the community here.”
A “typical” day in the life
No two days at Dad’s House look the same, but Jeanine’s mornings always begin with organization and intention.
She starts by reviewing messages and checking building systems—fire alarms, maintenance alerts, security logs, etc.—before prioritizing her daily task list. From there, she shifts between resident interactions, administrative work, and unexpected issues that arise.
“It’s about a 50/50 split between face-to-face interactions and paperwork,” she says. “But emergencies can flip that balance quickly.”
Whether coordinating repairs, resolving conflicts, or helping residents connect to support services like budgeting or employment programs, her focus is on maintaining both the property and the people who call it home.
“Buildings can be repaired,” she notes, “but trust, communication, and accountability are complex.”
Balancing compassion with accountability
Jeanine describes her work as a balance between compassion and structure. Some of the biggest challenges come when residents face financial or emotional hardship, making it difficult to follow community rules.
“Part of the challenge is teaching residents responsibility,” she explains. “We offer tenant-education programs focused on budgeting, communication, and maintaining their homes.”
Those efforts pay off when residents begin to thrive.
“The most rewarding moments come when families take ownership of their actions and achieve stability,” she says. “Watching that transformation reminds me why this work matters.”
She recalls one tenant who was evicted but later reached out to apologize.
“They realized the importance of budgeting and respecting the property,” she says. “They started planning for homeownership and rebuilding stability. Seeing that growth reinforces that support and accountability must go hand in hand.”
A cornerstone of community development
With only 36 affordable rental homes available for every 100 extremely low-income households in Allegheny County, properties like Dad’s House are vital.
By accepting Section 8 vouchers and partnering with veterans’ associations and social-service organizations, Dad’s House provides not only housing but also comprehensive support to maintain housing stability.
“Dad’s House is part of a bigger ecosystem,” McCreary explains. “Our partnerships with ELDI and other housing initiatives contribute to inclusive, sustainable growth while helping residents rebuild their lives.”
Creating a community for all
Jeanine believes property managers have a unique opportunity to shape both communities and lives.
“We always start with support and redirection,” she says, “but when behaviors persistently disrupt others, we act decisively to enforce policies. Balancing compassion with accountability ensures that properties like Dad’s House remain strong, stable, and transformative for everyone involved.”
And that, at its heart, is what East Liberty’s revitalization has always been about — not just rebuilding structures, but rebuilding a community that is inclusive for all.