Hello Neighbor

The challenges that face refugees settling in a new place continue after arrival, from finding housing to securing employment. Pittsburgh is home to thousands of refugees trying to adjust to life in the Steel City; Hello Neighbor provides support to help welcome them.

“I’m a mom, and I founded this organization as a mom looking to help other moms and families,” CEO and founder Sloane Davidson says.

Hello Neighbor began in 2017 as a mentorship program for refugees, focused on continuing services after initial resettlement. Based in Larimer, the organization now offers three new programs: the Hello Neighbor Network, which provides support and education to other refugee-focused nonprofits; Smart Start for Refugee Moms and Children, which gives mothers baby necessities, family meals and a volunteer resource advocate; and Food Social Enterprise, which allows refugee women to earn money cooking cultural treats and meals.

In response to the pandemic, Hello Neighbor has expanded its Refugee Assistance Fund to help refugee families affected by COVID-19. Families who are enrolled in one of Hello Neighbor’s other programs can apply for additional funds toward rent assistance, utilities, educational needs, food or baby supplies.

“We really, in the time of COVID, have been hyper-focused on how to support our families through this incredibly difficult time,” Davidson says.

With help from individual donors and The Pittsburgh Foundation, SteelTree Fund, Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh, and USA for UNHCR, it has distributed funds to 95 families. As of mid-September, it has raised more than $70,000 and plans to continue distributing money as long as people continue to donate.

“I think Pittsburgh has the opportunity and the ability to be a welcoming place,” Davidson says. “Can we do better? Absolutely. Are we doing a really good job? I like to think that we are.”

How to Donate

• To make a monetary, donation, visit Hello Neighbor’s website at: helloneighbor.io
• Donations of time are also needed; volunteers can commit a minimum of 10 hours per month as a mentor or serve in other individual or group capacities.
• Questions about donating can be directed to 412/567-3946 or via email at: info@helloneighbor.io