WE DID IT!!
Virgil’s House has a Beginning… ✨
We are thrilled to share that Virgil’s House is officially ours — and the transformation has already begun! This beautiful old church, with its soaring windows and historic bones, is getting a brand-new life as a women’s sober living home filled with hope, healing, and second chances.
Renovations are underway, and every day brings another “wow” moment — fresh paint, restored woodwork, rooms filled with light, and a vision coming together piece by piece. But the most exciting part isn’t the building itself… it’s what (and who) will fill it.
Soon, we’ll be welcoming our friends, neighbors, and sisters in recovery into a space built with love, dignity, and purpose. Virgil’s House is becoming a haven where women can rebuild their lives, rediscover their strength, and find community support every step of the way.
This isn’t just a renovation — it’s a rebirth. And we can’t wait for everyone to see what’s coming next.
Hope lives here… and the best is yet to come.
This is the Home Love Built-
Virgil’s House would like to thank everyone! We will try to keep this up to date, but we are so blessed!
Renovations are Underway!
Renovations are Underway!
Take a minute to write an introduction that is short, sweet, and to the point.
A huge thank-you to the Dream Center Pittsburgh for showing up with unbelievable strength and heart — filling a 20-yard dumpster in under an hour during our cleanup at Virgil’s House! Your energy, teamwork, and generosity set the tone for everything that’s to come.
We are also incredibly grateful for the support, kindness, and hands-on help from our friends, neighbors, and collaborators. From lifting and hauling to cheering us on, every bit of encouragement has helped fuel the beginning of this renovation journey.
Because of all of you, Virgil’s House is already becoming a place where hope lives and community grows. Thank you for being part of this beautiful beginning.
Welcome to The Powell Family Foundation
Rooted in love, driven by purpose — The Powell Foundation was born from the enduring spirit of Christine Helen Powell (“Tina”), a woman whose life embodied compassion, creativity, and unwavering service to others. For over five decades, Tina stood as the heart of our family — nurturing not just our home, but our values: empathy, dignity, and equity for all.
Tina’s journey began when she and her husband Bob met as teenagers — a love story that would evolve into a lifelong partnership defined by laughter, devotion, and purpose. Together, they raised a family grounded in the belief that no one is invisible, and no one is unworthy of dignity. Their kitchen table conversations taught us that compassion isn’t just a value — it’s an action.
Inspired by her memory and fueled by her example, The Powell Foundation exists to serve those experiencing homelessness, economic hardship, and social disadvantage in the greater Pittsburgh area. We are committed to equity, outreach, and radical care — because that’s how we were raised, and that’s the legacy we choose to carry forward.
Whether through direct service, resource distribution, or community empowerment, we believe in meeting people where they are and honoring their humanity every step of the way. This is more than charity — this is kinship.
Because when someone believes you matter, everything begins to change.
How to Get Involved
Street medicine outreach is a compassionate, community-centered approach to delivering basic medical care and essential resources directly to individuals experiencing homelessness or extreme hardship—wherever they are.
Each item on The Powell Foundation’s Amazon Wishlist has been hand-selected with care — not only for durability and function, but for dignity. Whether it’s hygiene supplies, clothing, or comfort items, these donations go directly into the hands of individuals experiencing homelessness and hardship in the Pittsburgh area.
These are not leftovers or afterthoughts — they are intentionally chosen to honor the humanity of every person we serve. A warm hoodie. A sturdy backpack. Travel-size essentials that restore a sense of self-worth. With your help, we’re not just distributing items — we’re distributing respect, comfort, and hope.
Help us to serve those in our community with either a one time, or reoccurring donation!
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for Tina’s memorial.
It was a beautiful day filled with laughter, love, and stories that captured her spirit so perfectly. My family and I are deeply grateful for every hug, every memory shared, and every bit of kindness you’ve shown during this time. We also want to thank you for your ongoing support of the work she cared so deeply about — helping those who had less, giving without hesitation, and reminding people that they mattered. Knowing her legacy continues through the compassion of others brings us tremendous comfort.
Thank you for honoring her life, her heart, and her purpose.
Come gather with us as we celebrate the extraordinary life of Tina Powell — beloved Wife, Mother, Nana/”Nana Bananas”, “Little Woman,” and the passionate visionary behind The Powell Family Foundation.
On Sunday. September 21st from 2--5pm at Southpointe- with food & refreshments. Tina’s legacy is rooted in compassion, dignity, and service to others. Her spirit lives on in every act of kindness we carry forward.
Join friends, family, and community members as we reflect on her joy-filled life, her deep love for others, and the mission she leaves behind — one dedicated to uplifting those experiencing homelessness and hardship with heart, equity, and hope.
There will be light refreshments, shared stories, and the unveiling of initiatives inspired by Tina’s charitable legacy — a legacy that will continue to bloom in the lives she touched.
✨ Because love like hers doesn’t end — Just like her flowers it grows.
Reach Out!
Want to collab? Want to help? Have an idea? This is the place!
I am going to say ahead of time that IF you are emailing me to redesign this website and/or this is not related to our mission… shame on you (do not bother wasting your time or ours)- this is for those that are willing to “Step up,” to uplift our community-not unwanted solicitation!