Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh is excited to announce their second group of Age-Friendly Neighborhoods: Beechview, McKeesport and Sharpsburg. Each of these neighborhoods will be awarded $20,000 in seed funding over the next two years (2024-2026) for projects and events to amplify older adult voices and foster intergenerational connection and solidarity.
“I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to get this grant,” says Donna Bishop of Sharpsburg, who will be working with the Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization. “As a town, we come together. We love each other… When it comes to doing something, everybody pulls together. I’m so looking forward to this.”
Part of the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh brings generations together to reimagine how our neighborhoods are built and to advance equity through advocacy, education and innovation. A region that’s more accessible and welcoming is one that’s better for older people—and better for everyone. Age-Friendly Neighborhoods is a signature program of Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh.
“We are extremely grateful for this opportunity,” says Laureese Harper of McKeesport, who will be partnering with St. Paul AME Church. “McKeesport is such a resilient community. We have weathered many storms and continue to believe in and strive towards a better tomorrow. Through this Age-Friendly Neighborhood blessing, we enhance our possibilities.”
“We are so honored to have been selected,” says Phyllis DiDiano of Beechview, who will be representing the Beechview Historical Society. “You know we love our older neighbors and hope to provide more opportunities to become engaged, active and enjoy living in Beechview to the fullest.”
Age-Friendly Neighborhoods are good places to grow up and grow old. Twenty-two neighborhood leaders and community organizations across Allegheny County applied, seeking support from Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh to make their community a better place to live and age.
“Our region is one of the oldest in the country—and that should be a point of pride. We have a growing number of people with career expertise, diverse skills and interests, and strong community ties,” says Laura Poskin, Executive Director of Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh. “Age-Friendly Neighborhoods are inclusive, welcoming hubs where we work alongside residents of all ages and celebrate the power of coming together.”
In total, 1,205 people, ages 6 months to 97 years old, participated in resident-led projects and events from 2022-2024 in Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh’s founding Age-Friendly Neighborhoods of Clairton, Coraopolis and the Hill District. Examples include public space beautification and accessibility additions, group outings, tech workshops and yoga classes. To see how these communities brought big dreams to life, watch this video:
