Hello Neighbor is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Pittsburgh, PA, devoted to welcoming and empowering newly resettled refugee and immigrant families. Since its founding, Hello Neighbor has served over 5000 individuals from 65+ countries of origin.
Hello Neighbor empowers refugees and immigrants through community connections, ensuring their journey from arrival to belonging is guided by dignity, cultural sensitivity, as well as support.
More About Hello Neighbor
Hello Neighbor began with its mentorship program, which matches immigrant and refugee families with caring Pittsburgh neighbors to support them as they build their new lives. Mentors are matched strategically with families based on proximity, family composition, and interests, and dedicated program staff provide guided support throughout the program. Mentorship matches decide what they want to do together, with activities ranging from playing at the local park, to attending Hello Neighbor events, to helping mentee families navigate daily life in their new home.
Over the course of the program, matches have spent more than 12,000 hours together, building deep and supportive bonds and helping new neighbors reach their dreams. The program was founded with the belief that one-on-one relationships are key to creating a welcoming community, and mentors help break the isolation that immigrant and refugee families face when starting a new life.
Since Hello Neighbor’s launch 9 years ago, the organization has expanded greatly to provide a wide range of services, and they are now proud to offer support every step of the way. Programs range from those that help build initial stability, like assistance finding housing, obtaining employment, and acquiring permanent legal status, to those that foster lasting belonging, like Little Neighbors (play-based learning and community connection for families with young children), English Language classes, Study Buddy Tutoring Program, culturally-tailored wellness events, and Smart Start (pregnancy & postpartum support).
How You Can Help
Readers can get involved by making a one-time or recurring monetary donation, or by signing up for an info session to become a volunteer, mentor, or tutor.
Donations directly fund services provided to Pittsburgh’s immigrant community, including housing assistance, employment assistance, legal services, wellness programs, pregnancy & postpartum support, legal guidance, English language education, tutoring, cultural orientation, and more.
To donate, visit https://www.helloneighbor.io/.
Story and Photography by Hello Neighbor
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