May 2026 community meeting: Section 8 or public housing? You qualify for this wealth-building program | The Homepage

Also: Lots of fun, free activities are coming to reopened Hazelwood Green plaza this summer

By Managing Editor Juliet Martinez

The May 12 Greater Hazelwood community meeting started off a little slow, possibly on account of the gorgeous spring weather. But neighbors and friends of Hazelwood trickled in until a good crowd was assembled to learn about fun events planned on Hazelwood Green this summer. But first, they heard a presentation about a wealth-building program available to any Housing Authority of City of Pittsburgh resident or housing choice voucher holder.

Family self-sufficiency

Julian Wynnyckyj is a family self-sufficiency specialist who works for the Housing Authority. He spoke about a program that can help public housing residents and Section 8 voucher holders build wealth and economic stability.

The Family Self-Sufficiency program is a voluntary program. If a family or individual decides to join, they sign a contract and work toward goals to improve their finances. Some of the goals could be improving their credit score, learning to budget, furthering their education or finding a better-paying job. Some of the goals are short term, others are long term.

Mr. Wynnyckyj explained that the contract is for five years. During that time, people who participate in the program get help reaching their goals. The program specialists connect clients with nonprofits and city resources. Clients can then access skill training, education or employment opportunities. The program specialists tailor their recommendations to the client’s goals.

They also help clients build financial stability through programs offered by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, Dollar Bank, PNC, USAA and more.

As Family Self-Sufficiency clients achieve their goals and earn more money, their rent will increase. But part of the program involves setting up a tax-free escrow account where the increase in rent is stored. Once the client “graduates” from the program, they get to keep the money in that escrow account.

Mr. Wynnyckyj said some clients have left the program with as much as $20,000 in their escrow account. They are then no longer reliant on public assistance. They can use the money to buy a home or do something else they want to do.

He said if a Housing Authority resident or housing choice voucher holder in Pittsburgh moves to another city that offers the same program, their escrow account can follow them there.

To learn more about the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, email FSSSC@hacp.org.

Summer fun on the Green

Nikki Martin is a community events coordinator for Hazelwood Local. Cassie MacDonald is a project manager for Streetplans. Streetplans is an urban planning, transportation equity and placemaking firm that helps run Hazelwood Local. The two spoke about what Hazelwood Local has planned on Hazelwood Green this summer.

Hazelwood Local creates public programming on Hazelwood Green. It also partners with neighborhood organizations on events in other parts of the neighborhood. Finally, it also helps people with event permitting for Hazelwood Green.

Hazelwood Green plaza has been renamed Woodlawn Plaza and Park. The fountain is on again. Ms. Martin said she was eagerly anticipating the Bark & Brunch event on May 16. This annual event brings together pet owners, vendors, activities, food trucks and, this year, a foam party for the dogs. See photos on Page 9.

This summer, there will be movie nights on the lawn, the Summer Sounds concert series and Hazelwood Pride on June 27.

Hazelwood Local, Hazelwood Brew House and Community Kitchen are joining up to host an all-night grilling competition called the Big Gay Barbecue. They are looking for 10 teams to compete for grill master bragging rights. Cooking will start on the evening of June 26. Tasting, activities and judging will start at noon on June 27. The day will include drag performances from Luna Skye at 3 p.m. and a DJ from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. Procedes will benefit Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation.

The cost to enter is $250, which covers the meat. Hazelwood Local is offering a scholarship to a neighborhood team who wants to enter. Email Nikki Martin at nikki@streetplans.org for information. Ms. Martin said you do not have to be gay to enter.

As for the summer’s movie nights, the series will kick off with a singalong showing of “Encanto” on June 5 at Woodlawn Meadow. On July 10, the movie will be a family favorite, “Hoppers.” The August movie night will be an adults-only showing of the 1989 movie “Clue.” Movie nights will start at 6:30 p.m.

The Summer Sounds with Weather Permitting concert series launches in June with Son Rompe Pera, a marimba-driven cumbia band from Mexico, June 21 on Woodlawn Meadow. Afropop artist Cheikh Ibra Fam will headline the July 18 concert. In August, Slavic Fest will return, but the date was yet to be determined.

Wellness Wednesdays will continue every other week. See the ad on Page 10 for details.

If you are looking for a venue for a public event that is open to the Greater Hazelwood neighborhood, Hazelwood Local can help you get permits to hold it at Hazelwood Green. There are no site fees for most areas, and they can provide access to equipment and a roster of trusted vendors and partners.

Neighborhood Investment Fund

Executive Director Sonya Tilghman and Outreach and Sustainability Director Lauren Coursey presented a report on the Neighborhood Investment Fund. See Page 2 for more information.

Green careers

Tiffany Taulton is a Hazelwood resident and the green workforce specialist at the nonprofit Dream.org. She announced that the first session of the Green Careers Exploration Program was in its final week. The next session will start on July 6. The sessions are six weeks long.

This program aims to help people who are shut out from the workforce because of a criminal record or not having a degree. By learning about careers in the green industry and getting help to connect with employers, they can build financial stability, Ms. Taulton said.

The current group has taken field trips around the city to learn about green careers. They have met with Duquesne Light and Energy, Alcosan, Pittsburgh Water, the recycling facility in Hazelwood, the Mon Water Project and more. In the final week, they received résumé support and interview coaching.

This is a paid program offering up to $100 per week. Contact Ms. Taulton at tiffany.taulton@dream.org for more information.

Meeting flyer for the June 9, 2026 Greater Hazelwood community meeting.