Blueprint Communities

USE WHAT WE HAVE - FIND WHAT WE NEED - MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN TOGETHER

  

What is a Blueprint Community? 

A small group of community members will be trained over an 18 month period in local leadership and regional planning development, and will also encourage public and private funders to invest in Allison Hill. Through this training, they will receive support over a 10-year period to help them prioritize initiatives, connect to expertise, build a plan of action and access implementation resoures.

So What's The Big Idea?

The Allison Hill Blueprint Community Team has adopted the ABCs as an easy way to remember our community’s goals for the future:

A - Affordable Housing  B - Business Developement & Support  C - Connecting Resources 

Our Vision

The Allison Hill Blueprint Community team members are committed to bringing together existing planning efforts, community assets and initiatives within the neighborhood to provide comprehensive strategic goals and empower access to the tools and resources necessary to implement long-term success which promotes the development of quality affordable housing, supporting the local business community and preserving historic buildings and neighborhoods.

 

What's The Plan?

Take a look at our 5 year Strategic Plan: 
 
 

Our Team 

Adrienne Squillace, Vice President Community Development Officer, S&T Bank
Johan Soto-Santa, Development & Revitalization Manager, Harrisburg Housing Authority
Danatia Allen, Executive Director, Thrive Housing Services
Dennise Hill, Executive Director, Brethren Housing Association
Dr. Amber Borreli, Executive Director, Empowerment In Action
Cristina Herman, Executive Director, Harrisburg Community Development Corporation
Tannon Herman, Executive Director, Wildheart Ministries
 
 

In The News

Fox43 Reports: 

Harrisburg's Allison Hill neighborhood becomes a designated 'Blueprint Community'

Call for Artist: Allison Hill Blueprint Community Mural Project

The Allison Hill Blueprint Community Team invites qualified mural artists to apply for the design and implementation of a 15’ x 30’ public mural celebrating the neighborhood’s strategic priorities: Affordable Housing, Business Development & Support, and Connecting Resources.

This project will serve as a highly visible symbol of community pride and momentum for long-term revitalization efforts. The selected artist will collaborate with residents and youth participants throughout the design and painting process, with installation scheduled for May–June 2026.

Project Highlights:

  • - Lead Artist Fee: $5,000
  • - Youth/Supporting Artist Stipends: $1,000
  • - Materials Budget: $1,200

  • - Community engagement built into the design process

Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 (midnight)

View Full Project Guidelines: HERE

Interested artists should submit contact information, resume, portfolio, and a brief statement outlining their experience and approach to community-based mural work.

For further questions & submission details, contact:

cristina@wildheartministries.net

A Catalyst For Community Revitalization

Allison Hill was selected as a Blueprint Community by Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh! On April 29th, 2024 Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis officially welcomed us into the program at a special event in Harrisburg.

Learn more about the Blueprint Communities program here: https://www.fhlb-pgh.com/blueprint-communities

Click HERE for the quick survey!