When you think of a “neighborhood group,” you might think of advocacy or action. But in the East Hills of Pittsburgh, they chose a different word: Consensus.
In the second episode of our Neighbor to Neighbor podcast, we had the privilege of interviewing Diane Daniels, the Executive Director of the East Hills Consensus Group. Diane isn’t just a leader; she’s a storyteller, a former journalist, and a fierce advocate for a community she describes as “an urban community with a rural feel.”
More Than Just Repairs
At Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, our mission is to ensure our neighbors are safe and healthy in their homes. But as Diane points out in our conversation, a house is only as stable as the community around it.
We discussed the critical intersection of:
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Senior Stability: Helping long-time residents—some who have been in their homes since the 1970s—age with dignity and pass their legacy to the next generation.
- Quality of Life: Why Diane prefers the word “quality” over “affordable” when it comes to the standard of housing every Pittsburgher deserves.
- The Power of Partnership: How the Consensus Group acts as a “voice of voices,” bringing together smaller organizations to speak loudly to city officials and funders.
“We are a conglomeration of different groups… if you have a group in East Hills, you should be a part of the consensus group because we all have to work together.” — Diane Daniels
Looking to 2026
One of the most inspiring parts of our chat was Diane’s vision for the future. She isn’t just looking at the houses; she’s looking at the 80 vacant lots in the community. Her goal for 2026 is to transform these spaces through clean up and redevelopment, revitalizing the neighborhood’s physical footprint.
From the beautiful “Sankofa Bird” art installation at Dornbush and Bricelyn to the millions of gallons of water managed by new rain gardens, the East Hills is a neighborhood on the move—and it’s doing so by remembering its past while building its future.
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How to Get Involved
Diane is always looking for “gifts and talents.” Whether you’re a resident who can help with social media or a supporter looking to fund new initiatives, the East Hills Consensus Group wants to hear from you.
- Meetings: Third Thursday of the month at Petra Ministries (6:00 PM).
- Email: EastHillsConsensusGroup@gmail.com
- Follow: East Hills Consensus Group on Facebook
