East Liberty Development Inc. (ELDI) supports the East Liberty community, Pittsburgh’s liveliest neighborhood, through planning, advocacy, facilitation and investment. ELDI is a community development corporation (CDC) that has transformed one of Pittsburgh’s oldest neighborhoods in to one of the most vibrant and growing communities in the region.
Maelene Myers
HRS recruited Maelene Myers from Cleveland to serve as the Executive Director of ELDI in 1996. At the time, the organization was in turmoil as two previous directors had resigned within a year. The community was considered distressed and its future was uncertain. Maelene spent over two years listening to community residents and developing the East Liberty Community Plan. The Community Plan clearly articulated that concentrations of poverty were not healthy and that the existing residents wanted to live in a mixed income and diverse community. This Community Plan has driven and shaped all of ELDI’s development plans and efforts to revitalize the neighborhood.
“Fast forward,” today East Liberty is a diverse neighbood and one of the most sought after communities in which to shop, live work and play in Pittsburgh. The community has witnessed a resurgence in shopping and employment opportunities with over 800 new affordable housing units for both families and individuals coupled with improved access to transportation. For her tireless efforts on behalf of the community, and the energy, vibrancy, and hope that Maelene has brought to East Liberty for over two decades, she was the recipient of the 2019 Peal of Hope presented by Sojurner House.