There’s a Fred Rogers quote that often circulates in tough times: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
As marginalized communities deal with policy changes under the new administration, we’re sharing Pittsburgh organizations that you can support right now. (And be sure to check back here! We’re routinely updating the list.)
🏳️⚧️ SisTers PGH
SisTers PGH is a Black and trans-led nonprofit based in Swissvale that supports gender non-conforming folks through its community center; Stonewall Inn emergency drop-in center; rent and utility program; and Project T, an effort to help people leave unsafe environments and find community. Stay tuned for SisTers PGH’s annual People’s Pride celebration in June, and find volunteer and intern opportunities here.
Pittsburgh Public Schools’ largest advocacy group has been sounding the alarm about chronic absenteeism for years, and their work has paid off. Right now, they’re hoping to let more people know about what they do, so you can invite someone from the group to speak to your PTA, neighborhood organization, or even your book club. They’re always fundraising, too.
Casa San José is a Beechview-based Latino resource center that provides case management, English classes, youth programs, mental health support, and advocacy — and it’s currently building a new permanent home on Broadway Avenue. Interested volunteers can fill out an application form. Spanish fluency is helpful but not required!
- 💃🏽 Party for a cause: Casa San Jose and the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement are hosting a “De-ICE Ball” on March 19. All proceeds go to Casa San Jose’s bond fund, which helps folks get out of ICE detention and fight their legal cases
- ➡️ Hear how executive director Monica Ruiz transformed her work space into a makeshift courtroom after Pittsburgh’s immigration court closed.
Pittsburgh is one of the worst places for Black women to live. How do we change that? The Black Women’s Policy Center in McKeesport centers Black women and girls through its advocacy training bootcamp, empowerment institute, life skills training, counseling connections, and more. Listen to local Black voices on the BWPC’s Our Voices, Our Agenda podcast, and get involved at upcoming events.
Proud Haven, an LGBTQ+ youth center on the North Side. (Megan Harris / City Cast Pittsburgh)
The North Side center led by Proud Haven and TransYOUniting offers a variety of resources for the queer community: a QMNTY Closet with shelf stable goods, hygiene products, and clothing; short term housing at the YOUr Haven Shelter; youth and adult drop-in hours for support and workshops; and an event space for rent. Contact the team for ways to help.
- Here’s how Proud Haven serves local LGBTQ+ youth. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]
Steel Smiling works to bridge the gap between Black community members and mental health support. It offers programs like Beams to Bridges — a 6-month mental health training focused on self- and community-care — and a mental health fund. Here’s how to support their mission.
- 🦷 Learn how Steel Smiling also works to curb gun violence.
While the future of abortion access is uncertain across the country, there’s a team here in Pittsburgh providing the information and supplies people need for reproductive care — and they’re doing it out of an old van. Hear The Auto(nomous) Body Shop crew explain what steers their mobile mission and how you can support them.
More than 200 newly arrived refugees were in Pittsburgh when the Trump administration announced funding freezes, which stalled Hello Neighbor’s ability to offer mentorship, education, and health and wellness resources. Donate or volunteer (as-needed or long-term) to welcome families, participate in meal trains, help kids with schoolwork, deliver supplies, and more.
🗺️ FracTracker
Based in nearby Johnstown, the alliance maps and analyzes oil, gas, and petrochemical development all over the nation so Western Pennsylvanians can better understand the health and environmental consequences of what’s happening around them — and what energy alternatives might be available. Donate, request a customized map, help track yourself via their mobile app, or invite someone from FracTracker to speak at your next gathering.
🛶 Aryse
Aryse helps refugee kids in grades 6-12 find community across Allegheny County, introducing them to Pittsburgh while helping them get settled in their new schools. Ongoing programs include an annual five-week summer camp in July and August, an afterschool club, an art-based girl group, LGBTQ safe spaces, and more. They also encourage kids who’ve experienced their programming to become mentors and leaders to support the next wave of new arrivals.
- 🔌 Plug in now: Adult volunteers can sign up through this application form, or apply to be a camp co-director or counselor here.
