Welcoming Week is an annual campaign that celebrates the work in communities to become welcoming places for all, including refugees and immigrants. Throughout Welcoming Week, organizations and communities nationwide bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.
This year, the 2025 theme Stories We Share calls on us to imagine what we can achieve when we listen and learn from one another.
Hello Neighbor is excited to highlight the importance of the Stories We Share by featuring the story of our client Lina, which illustrates how our connections help us thrive.
Lina's Story — and Why Your Support Matters
Lina arrived in Pittsburgh as a refugee and joined our Study Buddy program in 2021. She was matched with a dedicated tutor, Gina, who guided her through schoolwork and late-night study sessions. But as Gina will tell you, Lina became the real teacher; modeling resilience, kindness, and strength through every challenge.
In June, Lina graduated as salutatorian of her high school class. She balanced honors courses, a part-time job, and responsibilities at home - all while dreaming big. She’s attending the University of Pittsburgh to study biology.
Gina wrote to us recently and said this:
“I am better because I’ve gotten to know Lina. I know our country is better because Lina is here. And Pittsburgh is better because of Hello Neighbor.”
We couldn’t agree more.
This year, demand for our services has skyrocketed. Some programs have seen a 300% increase since January. We are busier than ever, walking alongside families as they build new lives, find their voices, and pursue their dreams.
But we can’t do this work alone. Your support makes it all possible.
To celebrate Welcoming Week, we invite you to be part of these journeys—from arrival to belonging. When you give to Hello Neighbor, you’re investing in the future of students like Lina. You’re saying: You belong here.
Thank you for walking with us.
Your donation—of any amount—helps build a more welcoming Pittsburgh for us all.
