For one Pittsburgh native, home has always meant more than just a place to live. It represents stability, legacy, and the power of perseverance. After navigating a difficult financial period, this Catapult client faced yet another challenge. In order to preserve her family home in Duquesne, she needed to clear the title by the end of March. This meant securing twelve signatures from relatives connected to the deed.
Living in a historically marginalized community, one that has long been denied access to the resources needed to build and maintain generational wealth, this wasn’t an easy task. But she did not face this challenge alone. Through Catapult Greater Pittsburgh’s C.L.E.A.R. (Clinic for Legal Equity and Repairs) Program, she was met with trusted support and a team committed to removing systemic barriers that prevent families from holding on to what is rightfully theirs.
Under the leadership of Gabby DeMarchi, Director of the C.L.E.A.R. Program, Catapult quickly mobilized. Irene Clark, a seasoned attorney with extensive experience navigating tangled titles/heirs property issues, met her at her home to begin the legal process. Attorney Clark’s hands-on and empathetic approach helped ease what could have otherwise been a stressful and overwhelming journey.
A notary, chosen specifically for their cultural competency and understanding of complex family dynamics, joined the effort. Their ability to navigate sensitive conversations with care was essential to moving the process forward. Ten relatives signed in person. One signature was obtained from a family member residing in a nursing facility. Another, who lives out of state, joined a Zoom call and provided their consent for a family member to sign on their behalf. In just four hours on a single Saturday, all twelve signatures were gathered, and this C.L.E.A.R. participant secured the clear title she needed. Just in time!
At Catapult, we recognize that success stories like this are made possible through intentional partnerships built on trust, cultural competency, and an understanding of the communities we serve.
That is why we carefully vet every contractor to ensure they are not only skilled but also equipped to navigate the emotional and familial complexities that often accompany tangled titles/heirs property. These situations require more than legal expertise; they require a respectful, people-centered approach. This client’s experience exemplifies what happens when people come together with care and commitment. That Saturday was about more than the signatures. It was a reminder of what is possible when partnerships are rooted in equity and when leaders like Gabby DeMarchi guide the work with clarity and compassion.
