By Selina Pedi-Smith,
Founder, Pellere Foundation
Throughout March we’ve talked about investment - not just in the financial sense, but in what we choose to care about, build, and sustain for the future. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that the best investments take time.
They start as ideas, sometimes ambitious, sometimes simple. But every lasting change begins with someone choosing to put in the work. The work to clear the path, solve the challenges, and keep pushing forward even when progress is slow. That’s the kind of investment that makes a real difference. And that’s exactly the kind of investment Pellere is making.
When we talk about investment at Pellere, we mean something bigger than money. We’re investing in communities - places where people can thrive, not just survive. We’re investing in energy resilience - solutions that make sure our homes and businesses aren’t at the mercy of outdated systems. We’re investing in housing - not just any housing, but homes built to last, built for the future, and built to make sense for the people who live in them. Right now, we’re working on something that pulls all of these pieces together, something that will become a model for how rural communities build strong, sustainable futures.
You’ll be hearing a lot about this initiative in the coming months, because it’s more than just an idea - it’s an investment in what’s possible. This isn’t about a single project or a quick fix. It’s about rethinking how communities grow, how homes are built, and how we prepare for a changing world. There’s a lot to share—and a lot still taking shape. In fact, by the time you read this, we’ll have just wrapped up a working session in State College with several of our project partners, hammering out the next steps to turn vision into action.
But some things we already know: It’s about building better housing. It’s about energy resilience. It’s about community-driven solutions that put people first. And it’s about investing in the future in a way that actually works.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be diving deeper into why projects like this matter, and why this project matters for our area, specifically. We’ll explore what’s happening behind the scenes, and how it promises to reshape what’s possible for rural communities everywhere.
As far as we’re concerned, the future isn’t something we wait for. It’s something we build. Want to be part of the work that makes it real? Reach out - we’d love to hear from you.
Rachel Brosnahan is the Community Engagement Coordinator for River Roots Redevelopment. She can be reached by email at rachel@riverrootsredevelopment.org
Comments