Pittsburgh has always been a city of bridges… and we’re not just talking about the steel kind. In recent years, the city’s neighborhoods have been both shaped and strengthened by families arriving from across the globe. They bring languages, traditions, skills, and stories that enrich the region in many ways. But, especially today, building a new life in a new country takes a lot of courage and a lot of community support. In a day and age where immigrants are constantly put down for simply existing, our city’s resources are as crucial as ever, providing everything from legal services to language classes, childcare to cultural advocacy, and most importantly, a feeling of home.

Resources for Immigrants Across Pittsburgh

Hello Neighbor

Friendship can be a huge foundation for stability. The nonprofit matches recently resettled refugees and immigrants with Pittsburgh residents, creating mentoring relationships that ease cultural transitions and combat isolation. The organization also offers youth programming and women’s empowerment initiatives year-round.

ISAC (Immigrant Services and Connections)

Complex immigrant and refugee systems can be a stopping point for many. ISAC provides comprehensive support from legal services and employment assistance to community integration programs. ISAC works to remove barriers that often stand between new arrivals and self-sufficiency.

JFCS Refugee & Immigrant Services

Part of the Jewish Family and Community Services, this program offers resettlement assistance, case management, and employment support for refugees and immigrants. JFCS helps families secure housing, find jobs, enroll children in school, and access healthcare… a.k.a all the critical first steps in building stability.

Literacy Pittsburgh

To help everyone learn to read, Literacy Pittsburgh provides free English language classes, GED preparation, workforce development, and citizenship preparation courses. For many newcomers, improving English proficiency is the key to employment opportunities, educational advancement, and civic participation.

Casa San José

Casa San José serves as a community resource center for Pittsburgh’s Latino population. The organization offers bilingual assistance with housing, employment, and navigating public systems, along with advocacy and community organizing efforts. Their work extends beyond direct services, focusing on empowerment as a whole.

Maya Organization

MAYA provides perinatal mentorship, education, support, and doula care for Spanish-speaking pregnant and postpartum people living in Allegheny County. Their culturally congruent care is delivered by caring and insightful staff who are themselves members of the communities served.

Jeremiah’s Place

While not exclusively an immigrant-serving organization, Jeremiah’s Place provides critical support for families in crisis. Offering free, temporary childcare for children up to age six, the organization allows parents to attend court dates, job interviews, medical appointments, or secure housing without worrying about childcare.

AJAPO Pittsburgh

AJAPO (Acculturation for Justice, Access & Peace Outreach) specializes in refugee resettlement and immigration legal services. The organization assists with documentation, family reunification, and citizenship applications, while also providing youth and senior programs.

Community Pharmacy – Lincoln-Lemington & East Liberty

Access to affordable healthcare is a significant challenge for many immigrant families. Community Pharmacy offers low-cost prescription services so uninsured and underinsured residents can access necessary medications. Located in Lincoln-Lemington and East Liberty, the pharmacy fills that critical gap in neighborhood infrastructure.

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania

In addition to its well-known retail presence, Goodwill provides free ESL classes, as well as citizenship and naturalization courses for permanent residents or those applying for permanent resident status. Their workforce development programs also connect participants with job training and placement services.

Squirrel Hill Health Center

Squirrel Hill Health Center delivers comprehensive primary care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay or background. With a strong focus on serving immigrant and refugee communities, the center offers multilingual services, behavioral health care, women’s health services, and social support programs.

Islamic Center of Pittsburgh

The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh serves as both a spiritual home and community hub for the Muslim immigrants in the city. In addition to religious services, the center provides social services, youth programs, and community outreach. It’s a chance for not only faith-based connection but also a support system grounded in shared values.

Somali Bantu Community Association of Pittsburgh

This grassroots organization supports members of the Somali Bantu community through cultural preservation, education support, and advocacy. The association is passionate about cultural pride while also addressing challenges that immigrants face related to employment, education, and social integration.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photography by Katie Long

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