COVID-19 Response
Opportunities with Community Partners
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank shares daily updates to its food distribution opportunities. The opportunities are trending to cancel distributions that involve large groups (e.g., Produce to People distributions that JLP members routinely attend, pop-up food share programs and repacking opportunities at the food bank’s Duquesne headquarters). Until further notice, the food bank has redirected all volunteer activities to its distributions located in the community in which it serves. A map notes local pantries with volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood.
JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
The Jewish Family & Community Services Squirrel Hill Food Pantry has established an emergency campaign to accept donations.
Wilkinsburg Community Ministry
The Wilkinsburg Community Ministry operates a food pantry service, and the number of those in need is tripling every 3-4 days. It plans to stay open amid COVID-19, as people are increasingly relying on food distributions. The organization is going to run out of funds, though. It asks that donations be made online (click on the Network for Good button) or mailed to the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry at 702 Wood St., Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Please put “JLPgh” in the memo line.
United Methodist Church Union
In-person opportunity: The United Methodist Church Union is currently acting as the delivery point for lunches in the West End (from Pittsburgh Public Schools). The need will likely grow as more schools are closed for cleaning, and no one is sure of what is happening for the remainder of the school year and how this organization will be able to operate its summer food program. This organization is also a meal location for adults living on the streets of the Northside. In-person volunteer opportunities are available to help with any of the UMCU’s programming (adult meals for the homeless, kids meals or help for seniors). Please contact Cheri Pogue at cpogue@churchunion.org for more information. Monetary donations can also be made via the organization’s website or by mail to the United Methodist Church Union, P.O. Box 100086, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.
Neighborhood Resilience Project
The Neighborhood Resilience Project is working diligently to support communities during this time of great need. There are several ways to help this group:
1. Donate food (pop top cans of food, anything non-perishable, anything substantial)
2. Donate hygiene products, diapers or feminine products.
3. Make a financial donation. Many people in our community are out of work, and food donations will support them during this time of need. Financial donations are also greatly needed to help support those who are unemployed due to the pandemic. Your contributions, small or large, are appreciated.
Diaper Bank of Western PA
Although the League’s regularly scheduled Done in a Days for diaper repackaging have been temporarily halted, diaper donations purchased from Amazon can be sent directly to 201 N. Braddock Ave., Suite 124, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Monetary donations can also be made online.