The rise and fall of Pittsburgh's steel industry is a story well-known to its residents. However, there's a lesser-known, ongoing narrative caused by population decline that's affected the city: the proliferation of thousands of vacant lots. You may not think twice about them, but vacant lots represent a complex environmental and socioeconomic challenge.

In today's challenging economic landscape, the dream of owning a home often feels out of reach. The ever-widening income inequality gap and the rising costs associated with homeownership create significant barriers for many, particularly low-income families, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.