Education & Community Empowerment

Our combined cohorts have consisted of a total 150 matches, that spent over 10,000 hours together.

Hello Neighbor was founded with Mentorship at our core because we believe that one-on-one relationships are key to creating a welcoming community and a better country.

Mentors are strategically matched with recently resettled refugees and newly arrived immigrant families and individuals based on a variety of factors including geographic proximity, family composition, availability, and interest areas. Mentor and mentee 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 read mail and teaching them to write a check.

Mentors and mentees have 2-4 meaningful visits each month during the 8 month program. Many stay active long after the initial time commitment, developing into lifelong friendships. We also host events to give families the opportunity to connect, make friends, and explore Pittsburgh together.

Mentors receive training on refugee and immigrant issues, and guided support throughout the program. Our program orientation includes an up-to-date workbook full of resources and tools that help mentors confidently connect with and help their mentee families. Dedicated program staff are available to help navigate challenges, and each mentor family is matched with an experienced Hello Neighbor mentor to answer questions and offer advice.

Refugee and immigrant families involved in our program report feeling more confident and having an increased sense of belonging. By spending just a few hours a couple times a month you can meet your new neighbors, help them achieve success in this new chapter of their lives and transform Pittsburgh into a more welcoming city for all.