On January 2nd, 2024, Sara Innamorato was sworn in as the new Executive of Allegheny County government. She needs to hear from Oakland residents and partners about ways the County government can support residents, businesses, and visitors. The survey asks about nine issue areas the Innamorato Administration believes are important to Allegheny County, including community development, accessibility, youth investments and more. The survey takes less than 25 minutes to complete. Follow the link and make your voice heard!
Civic Action Week success!
On Friday, October 20, OPDC staff and a group of Pitt student volunteers worked together to prepare a vacant house on Frazier Street for renovation. Once work is complete, this house will join the Oakland Community Land Trust, expanding opportunities for affordable homeownership in South Oakland.
The University of Pittsburgh’s Civic Action Week is a campus-wide event for students, faculty, and staff to join with the broader community to educate, engage, and encourage constructive action. Thanks to these student volunteers, this house is one step closer to becoming a home again!
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.