Adopt-A-Block updates

OPDC organizes volunteers through our Adopt-a-Block litter control program. Our teams have been hard at work picking up trash in every part of Oakland since mid-September, and the sidewalks are visibly clearer! So far this fall there have been a total of 12 events, in which 137 volunteers have collected 63 bags of trash - keep up the good work teams!

Want to get involved?

Adopt-a-Block is popular with student organizations at Pitt – but it’s also a great way for individuals to meet friends and connect with neighbors. Reach out to cgreaser@opdc.org to learn more.

Let's Talk: Bingo Night

This month our regular Let’s Talk event was in-person and social: residents gathered for a communal potluck meal and bingo at the Oakland Affordable Living community room on Wadsworth Street. Potluck delicacies included mac and cheese, shepherd’s pie, and cheesy potatoes. The evening was full of fun, and community members enjoyed conversation and forging new connections.

Long-time Oakland resident and community advocate Liz Bennett was the bingo caller for the evening. Winners received gift cards to Oakland restaurants -but it was clear that the real treasures of the night were the new friendships forged over dinner and play.

Are you a business owner who wants to donate prizes for the next community bingo? If so, please reach out to OPDC’s Social Worker, David Friedman, at 412-621-7863x123 or dfriedman@opdc.org.

CHS extends food distribution hours

Effective October 25, the Community Human Services (CHS) food pantry on Lawn Street will extend their Wednesday hours to 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Want to know more about getting connected with food in Oakland? Check out OPDC’s updated food asset maps.

Thank you to our Garbage Olympians!

On Saturday, September 23, OPDC fielded a Central Oakland team for the Garbage Olympics, Pittsburgh’s yearly citywide trash-collecting competition. Our 72 volunteers put in a Herculean effort, collecting 116 bags of trash, a bike frame, and tire.

If the Garbage Olympics awakened a love for litter-collection, make sure to sign up for Adopt-a-Block. Thanks to everyone who took part—we’ll see you next year!

Students: Get volunteer hours with Adopt-a-Block!

What is it?

Adopt-a-Block is a fun way to get volunteer hours with your friends while cleaning up your neighborhood. Teams of students “adopt” a route in Oakland and organize clean-up events throughout the year. Adopt-a-Block is a program of OPDC.

How does it work?

Team captains reach out to OPDC to schedule a clean-up event. Prior to the event, the team captain comes to OPDC to get supplies like trash bags and gloves. Volunteers sign a liability release form that helps us to track participation. At the end of the clean-up, teams leave their trash in a designated location so the Department of Public Works can collect it.

How can I get involved?

Adopt-a-Block is popular with student organizations at Pitt. However, we can also pair individuals with pre-existing groups. Reach out to cgreaser@opdc.org to learn more.

Meet Caroline

Hi, my name is Caroline Greaser. I’m a recent graduate of Goshen College and a PULSE Fellow this year with OPDC. Adopt-a-Block teams will coordinate their clean-ups with me and I will track all of your volunteer hours. Let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to working with you!