Summer block parties with skillsharing

We want to build space for neighbors to get to know each other and use our skills to help each other improve our lives and our neighborhood.

We've held one block party so far and it is already building collaboration among our neighbors.

We are raising funds to hold three more block parties within a quarter-mile radius in North Braddock's Second Ward. We'll give people an opportunity to talk about ways they can help their neighbors and their hopes for improving the neighborhood.

Pilot block party on North Avenue: June 17

Recruit organizing committees for Kirkpatrick Avenue parties and 13th Street party: June 19- July 20

Plan thre remaining block parties: July 20-August 11

First Kirkpatrick Avenue block part: August 12

Second Kirkpatrick block party: August 20

13th Street block party: August 27

North Braddock's Second Ward is is one of the most racially and eonomically diverse neighborhoods in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Although decades of layoffs from the steel mills have led to an exodus of long-time residents, and the neighborhood has been struck by poverty and physical decay, there are so many people with untapped skills and resources. Neighbors Helping Neighbors has begun talking to people about ways we can share our skills with each other.

North Braddock is a rapidly changing borough, where a diverse group of people live near each other without always feeling like neighbors. Before we can work together to rebuild our neighborhoods, we first need to rebuild trust. A low-pressure social event is the perfect way to start bulding tust and a sense of identity.