Photo courtesy of Neighborhood Allies

You bring the team. We bring the tools.

That’s the slogan for the PGH Mobile Toolbox, which supports a growing network of Pittsburgh residents who are ready to mobilize to transform their communities. Beginning in April, 2017, this shared community resource will be available, free of charge, to volunteer groups and organizations who need landscaping tools for neighborhood cleanups, vacant lot beautification, or the implementation and maintenance of food gardens, green infrastructure, trails or general community gathering spaces.

“This is a tremendous tool for grassroots collaborative efforts to beautify and celebrate our neighborhoods” says Presley Gillespie, President of Neighborhood Allies. “We hope to bring neighbors together and unleash their capacity, talents and commitment to ensure every neighborhood is a place that is visually appealing and desirable to all.”

Volunteer groups and organizations are able to reserve the PGH Mobile Toolbox for their community project by submitting a simple and easy online intake form which is available on www.lotstolove.org.

“We know that when residents have access to the knowledge, resources, and tools they need, change happens from within communities and we are honored to be a part of that work,” says Evaine K. Sing, GTECH’s new Executive Director.

Residents are encouraged to partner with local community groups, nonprofits, block watches, and will need at least five confirmed volunteers when submitting project ideas to strengthen the impact of your workday.

What to expect on the day of your reservation: The PGH Mobile Toolbox will arrive at the project site, with support of our hauler on the requested workday and all volunteers will participate in a 10 minute tool safety demonstration given by our hauling contractor. After the workday is completed, project volunteers help our hauler clean up and take a full tool inventory. Once the PGH Mobile Tool Box is fully loaded with all tools returned, volunteers receive their deposit and get to enjoy their newly curated space!

Find all of the information you need to reserve the PGH Mobile Toolbox for your community project here! PGH Mobile Toolbox is made possible through the generous support of the Hillman Foundation and PNC Charitable Trusts.

About GTECH: We believe changing an unjust environment requires investments in people, tangible actions, and an iterative process that results in more opportunities for collective benefit. As a result, GTECH invests in a process that equips motivated people to help create safe, green, resilient and livable spaces within their own communities. For more information, visit www.gtechstrategies.org

About Neighborhood Allies: Our mission is to support the people, organizations and partnerships committed to creating and maintaining thriving neighborhoods. Our vision is a Pittsburgh with healthy neighborhoods that are thriving, resilient and livable for all. For more information, visit www.neighborhoodallies.org.