This is Us

As our region responded to the pandemic, Pittsburgh Magazine was inspired to create a special issue devoted to the people, businesses and organizations who have proven that this is a city of helpers when times get tough.

These are just a few of the thousands of people from front-line workers to teachers who have risen to the challenge we have all had to face. Their stories form a lasting testament of how Pittsburgh remained united in a time of social distancing.

Kristen Linfante

The arts nonprofit leader contracted COVID-19 in March and is recovering from a difficult fight.

Brian Deutsch

Brian Deutsch splits his time between Panda Supermarket and his work-from-home job for Pitt, exposing him to multiple sides of the pandemic.

Beth Schellhaas

The West View florist was allowed to resume business just in time for Mother’s Day deliveries but now wonders what comes next.

Phil Gruszka

At the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, a team works against time to keep a valuable city resource looking healthy and normal.

Adam Frazier

In Mississippi, the Pirates’ second baseman prepares for an uncertain season.

Kelly McBride

A Duquesne University graduate joins thousands of her fellow college graduates nationwide as they try to figure out their next steps into an uncertain future.

Saige Smith

The local actress and musician has dreams of getting back on the stage, but in the meantime she’s helping her community and making music from home.

Maggie Meskey

A fixture in Pittsburgh’s service industry finds new ways to stay connected.

Macee Graham

Miss Macee’s morning meeting fills the gaps for students kept out of classrooms.

Marita Garrett

Wilkinsburg’s mayor has handed out masks, helped her constituents navigate their new reality and continued to provide food and resources to the community. And somewhere in there she found time to rescue a shelter dog.

Natalie Crouse

The director of Clinical Operations at Adagio Health embraces the growth that came from adapting to the pandemic.

Kelly Frey

The veteran WTAE-TV Pittsburgh Action News 4 anchor has been broadcasting from home since March.

Zack Block

The Executive Director of Repair the World Pittsburgh finds inspiration in a tenet of Judaism called b’Tzelem Elohim.