Foundation for
HOPE
AN URBAN CAMPUS FOR HOPE IGNITES PITTSBURGH
The Reason for Change
Evolving to Meet the Moment
Since 1991, Hope Ignites Pittsburgh has operated residential homes in the suburbs, providing a life-changing sanctuary for female scholars. However, as the needs of our community have evolved, so must our model. While our impact has been deep, our geographic distance created unintended barriers—isolating scholars from urban opportunities and making family partnership a challenge. In 2020, we took a bold step forward by rebranding to serve both young men and women and launching our pilot Academy Pathway in 2024. We currently serve 56 scholars across our programs – more than at any time in our history. By 2029, we will have the capacity to serve 125 scholars. Now, we are raising the funds to build a physical space that matches the scale of our mission. The Urban Campus isn’t just a relocation; it is a complete transformation of our capacity to ignite hope.
UNIFIED SUPPORT
Operating from one central hub creates unprecedented efficiencies to serve 16 Residential and 105 Academy Scholars.
A PLACE FOR EVERYONE
We are expanding our capacity to welcome both male and female scholars (6th–12th grade), ensuring no motivated student is turned away.
THE URBAN ADVANTAGE
Our Garfield location provides direct access to public transit, city-based jobs, cultural experiences, and diverse
partner schools.
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES
Moving into the city removes travel barriers, fostering deeper and more frequent partnerships with our
scholar families.
PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS
A “dual-pathway” model allows scholars to transition seamlessly between the Academy and Residential support if their family dynamics change.
LIFELONG SUPPORT
The campus serves as a permanent anchor for our Collegians, providing a home base as they transition from university to career.
Our Goal
To bring the Urban Campus from vision to reality, we have launched a comprehensive capital campaign with a goal of $7 Million. These anticipated funds represent the total capital required to establish a permanent, world-class anchor for our mission.
Where Your Investment Goes:
This goal is strategically allocated to cover every phase of the project, from the initial property acquisition and lot consolidation on North Aiken Avenue to the architectural engineering and permitting required for institutional-grade construction. The core of the funding will drive the physical construction of the 20,000-square-foot facility, including advanced fire and safety systems, high-tech Maker Spaces, and ADA-compliant accessibility. Crucially, a significant portion of this goal—$1 Million—is dedicated to a Permanent Maintenance and Upkeep Fund. This endowment ensures that the Urban Campus remains a safe, modern, and beautiful home for our Scholars for decades to come, protecting your investment and the future of the young people we serve.
The Vision
The Urban Campus is a purpose-built, 20,000-square-foot facility located on North Aiken Avenue in Garfield. This move from the suburbs to the city represents a fundamental shift in how we serve Pittsburgh’s youth, moving us from the periphery to the heart of the community we serve.
A Facility Designed for Holistic Growth
This is more than just a building; it is a meticulously designed ecosystem that facilitates every aspect of a Scholar’s development. By centralizing our operations, we create a “one-stop” hub for excellence that offers:
STRATEGIC PROXIMITY
Located next to The Neighborhood Academy, one of our primary partner schools, and home to our Academy Pathway.
FAMILY CONNECTIVITY
Families can easily visit, strengthening the support network around each scholar.
URBAN ACCESS
Immediate access to public transportation, city-based service opportunities, and professional internships.
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
One roof means streamlined staffing, shared meals, and better resource management.
NEW URBAN CAMPUS FEATURES
INTEGRATED LIVING
Separate, secure residential wings for 8 boys and 8 girls. Modern quarters with semi-private bedrooms and en suite bathrooms.
COMMUNITY CORE
A shared “Great Room” and professional-grade kitchen for family-style meals, holiday celebrations, and collaborative evenings like movie nights.
INNOVATION HUB
A dedicated Maker Space and high-tech, quiet study rooms provide a specialized environment for STEAM projects and tutoring.
ACTIVE SPACE
Outdoor Sport Court and landscaped green spaces to provide a safe oasis for sports, recreation, and essential peer bonding.
MODERN SAFETY
Institutional-grade fire/safety systems, ADA compliance, and elevator access to ensure a welcoming and secure environment for everyone.
NEW URBAN CAMPUS FEATURES
INTEGRATED LIVING
Separate, secure residential wings for 8 boys and 8 girls. Modern quarters with semi-private bedrooms and en suite bathrooms.
COMMUNITY CORE
A shared “Great Room” and professional-grade kitchen for family-style meals, holiday celebrations, and collaborative evenings like movie nights.
INNOVATION HUB
A dedicated Maker Space and high-tech, quiet study rooms provide a specialized environment for STEAM projects and tutoring.
ACTIVE SPACE
Outdoor Sport Court and landscaped green spaces to provide a safe oasis for sports, recreation, and essential peer bonding.
MODERN SAFETY
Institutional-grade fire/safety systems, ADA compliance, and elevator access to ensure a welcoming and secure environment for everyone.
Lasting Thoughts
Foundation for Hope
Hope Ignites centers on safe, nurturing environments where scholars can study and grow. The Urban Campus will allow us to see the world beyond generational poverty and build networks our scholars can rely on for the rest of their lives. When our alumni share what it means to be a part of the Hope Ignites family, it is profoundly moving; for many, this program is the bridge between a life of limitation and a life of limitless possibility. By supporting this campaign, you are doing more than constructing a building—you are providing the foundation for a home where ambition is celebrated, potential is unlocked, and every young person is reminded that they are capable of greatness. Together, we are not just changing the skyline of Pittsburgh; we are changing the future for our scholars, one success story at a time.
Help Us Ignite Hope
Your support provides the bricks, mortar, and mentorship that make these dreams a reality.
TO DISCUSS A GIFT, PLEASE CONTACT
Ali Brush, Executive Director
[email protected]
412.400.7561
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Campaign Co-Chairs
Duffy Hanna
Matt Johnson
Vice-Chairs
Mark Sherwin
Sr. Rosanne Oberleitner
Lacey Anderson
Mary Kate Joyce
Andrea Curtis
Team Member Leadership
Ali Brush
Executive Director
Lenell Hale
Director of Programs
Jen Heid
Director of Operations
Mallorie Mize
Coordinator of Development & Events
