Articles

Speak Out: What is your reaction to the feds closing Dwelling House?

Category: Metro Published on Thursday, 27 August 2009 17:25 Written by Courier Newsroom

Dwelling House Savings and Loan in the Hill District was recently ordered closed by the federal government. We asked Pittsburghers what they thought and if they saved there and here’s what you said:

“I’ve heard they’ve been in financial turmoil and have been hit hard by robberies. I think it’s sad since they’re alienated from the rest of the business district on Centre Avenue. I did not save there.”
Leia Winbush
Hill District

LEIA WINBUSH

“I was surprised to hear it. I don’t know what the circumstances are, if it was a forced situation. I think it’s important for the community to have representation and, like a lot of schools being closed, it breaks the connectivity. I did not save there.
Art Powell
Teacher
Hill District

“I think it’s a shame but they said there were some inside things going on with stealing money. No, I didn’t save there but my rent was through Lavalle Real Estate.”
Eugenia Daniels
Homemaker
Hill District

“Instead of the feds taking it over, they should bail them out like they do everyone else. I always had good business dealings with them.”
Floyd Titus
Consultant
Hill District

“I think it’s outrageous. Dwelling House was the only Black bank that’s been in existence for over 50 years, and it was working. They did a lot of good for the community by giving loans. It was convenient to have them in the neighborhood.”
Rev. Judy Titus
Consultant
Hill District

“I didn’t save there but can see how it is working the plan smoothly to move Black people and businesses out of the community. The Hill is nothing like it used to be and the feds taking over Dwelling House continues the deterioration.”
Menez Nowe
Entrepreneur
Hill District

(Compiled by Erin Perry, photos by Erin Perry.)