Credit Union Spotlight, presented by CUInsight, features credit unions taking action and changing their local communities. Join us as we recognize and celebrate the important work these credit unions do to bring their mission to life.
Founded in 1971 by Mary Walker, Hill District Federal Credit Union was created to fill a critical banking void in Pittsburgh’s Hill District community. Walker began the credit union by going door to door, personally accepting deposits to provide residents with access to safe, reliable financial services.
In 1988, current CEO Richard Witherspoon joined the credit union and worked alongside Walker until her retirement in 1992. Under their leadership, Hill District Federal Credit Union became one of the first credit unions in the country to be designated as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), reflecting its mission to promote financial inclusion and community development.
Perseverance through challenge
In the 1990s, Hill District FCU faced a challenging period when examiners considered placing it into conservatorship. Determined to preserve the credit union’s independence and identity, the board requested to retain one employee—Richard Witherspoon. For 18 months, he operated the credit union alone, managing all aspects of its operations. This experience deepened his understanding of how to strengthen a credit union beyond traditional loan income, using external partnerships and grants to build sustainability.
By 1999, Witherspoon secured several key grants, including $36,000 from PNC Bank for teller funding and $9,500 from Dollar Bank to launch a debit card program. In 2002, through the City of Pittsburgh’s Streetface program, Hill District Federal Credit Union received $30,000 to renovate the building’s exterior. The credit union continued to grow, adding staff and expanding services.
Growth and community impact
In 2008, Hill District Federal Credit Union received a $100,000 loan through the U.S. Treasury Department’s Community Development Capital Initiative (CDCI). Over the years, Hill District FCU leveraged grants and community partnerships to increase resources and serve members more effectively. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Hill District FCU had $5 million in assets. Today, their assets total $16 million, tripling in size in just five years.
Witherspoon wanted the credit union building to be an even bigger asset to the community. Recognizing the continued need for financial education, he launched a project to renovate the building. Through grant funding and community support, $2.8 million was raised to rehabilitate the building and create a financial education center focused on budgeting and money management. They renovated the top two floors of the building to create four market-rate apartments as part of a community housing initiative, helping residents work toward savings goals and prepare for homeownership.
Small and mighty, Hill District Federal Credit Union stands as a testament to resilience and community commitment. Through decades of change, the credit union has remained true to the cooperative spirit of “people helping people,” continuing to serve, educate, and empower the Hill District community with the same purpose and passion that inspired its founding more than 50 years ago.
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