EcoVillage sustainable housing finds a place to build with Pittsburgh sisters
By Jennifer Szweda Jordan | Earthbeat, a project of National Catholic Reporter
April 22, 2026 -- When the Sisters of Divine Providence near Pittsburgh tried to sell an 8-acre forested parcel, they were disappointed. Potential buyers didn't offer what the sisters thought it was worth. And for those prices, the sisters didn't want to see the land razed.
Meanwhile, a group of local residents was trying to find a location for a nonprofit sustainable housing development after an agreement with a property owner had fallen through. The Rachel Carson EcoVillage — named for the legendary environmental writer who grew up in the region — urgently needed a place to build.
The EcoVillage's land manager, architect Stefani Danes, was eager to connect with the sisters. She'd already worked with several communities of women religious to make their buildings more sustainable. When she and the Sisters of Divine Providence met, Bisbey said, "we really recognized in [the EcoVillage members] a shared vision of ecological responsibility."
For the full news story, CLICK HERE.
Pictured: The EcoVillage's land manager, architect Stefani Danes (Photo Credit: Jennifer Szweda Jordan / For Earthbeat).