Give where it matters most.

Since 2017, it has been our mission at Hello Neighbor to provide support for recently resettled refugees and their families in Pittsburgh, and that work is more essential than ever before.

It is a scary and uncertain time for many–especially for those navigating changing safety directives and policies in a county whose culture and language they are still in the process of learning. The refugee families we serve in Pittsburgh have been greatly impacted by the current health crisis in every way. Parents are still out of work and struggling to provide for their families, pay their bills and put food on the table. Children are still navigating remote learning without the resources they need.

Hello Neighbor is committed to helping our families navigate these challenging times, but we need your help.

The Refugee Assistance Fund

The Hello Neighbor Refugee Assistance Fund (RAF) was established to provide refugee families in Pittsburgh with direct cash assistance to support their most critical needs in times of crisis.

When you donate to the Refugee Assistance Fund, 100% of funds go directly to resettled refugees and their families.

Mohamad lost his job at a downtown hotel mid-March. He was immediately concerned about paying rent for April and taking care of his family of six. He has been rebuilding his life and unable to start an emergency fund or save any money while earning minimum wage. Through the constant support of his Hello Neighbor mentor, Mohamad was able to apply for unemployment, apply for a new job, and apply for rent assistance from the city.

Our core mentorship program remains strong in the midst of COVID-19 and our mentors and staff continue to provide support to the families we serve. This guidance is essential, but it alone is not enough. With so many facing financial hardship in a short time period, our refugee families are still in need of critical financial support to help regain a sense of stability in this stressful and uncertain time.

How It Works

• Families enrolled in one of Hello Neighbor’s programs can apply for financial assistance
• Families can choose from one of five categories for funds to be alloted to: rent assistance, utilities, educational needs, food, or baby supplies.
• Once they submit their application (often with the help and guidance of a mentor or interpreter), Hello Neighbor will review applications and distribute funds accordingly.
• Applicants will be asked to confirm where funds were spent within 30 days of receiving the financial assistance.

Your Generosity Is Making A Difference

Together, thanks to generous supporters like you and our partners at The Pittsburgh Foundation, SteelTree Fund, Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh, and USA for UNHCR, we have been able to distribute checks of $250 to 95 refugee families in Pittsburgh to help meet their most critical needs!

Our first round of applications took place from April 1st - April 15th. After reviewing applicants, checks were mailed out to families at the end of the month.

Thanks to your continued generosity, we were able to open up a secod round of applications for families who are still struggling to rebuild in the wake of this pandemic. Our second round of applications for the Refugee Assistance Fund was open from June 1st - June 15th. On June 18th we hosted a distribution at our office where we were able to hand out an additional $22,250 in direct cash assistance to 89 families through the Refugee Assistance fund.

These funds help refugee families in crisis by providing them with the strength and stability they need to make it through this trying time. Give your support where it’s needed most and let’s keep caring and keep fighting this battle together as neighbors.

“Thank you very much. This really matters for my family and makes us feel like we are not alone.” - Ahmad, Refugee Assistance Fund Recipient