About the CEC in Homewood

The Community Engagement Center in Homewood is part of the Universities aligned Neighborhood Commitments. Forming strong partnerships with Homewood and surrounding communities, the University is intentional in establishing both long-lasting and long-term commitments of investment, infrastructure, programming, resources, research, and staffing in Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods.

What Pitt and Homewood can do together:

  1. Build capacity
  2. Improve resident’s quality of life
  3. Conduct better research
  4. Support young people

The Pitt CEC in Homewood’s team, when possible, works as a think-partner and strategic collaborator in the work our university, community, and city are doing. We actively work in the community, attend community meetings, and engage in solution-driven dialogue around the needs for our community stakeholders.

The CEC in Homewood is part of a coalition of partners collaborating to support “cradle to career” education, health and wellness. With these partnerships in action, the CEC in Homewood offers a slate of free programming in collaboration with all of Pitt’s 16 schools and community partners, including career workshops for young adults, vaccine clinics for residents, health and wellness opportunities for youth to older adults—many through the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Wellness Pavilion—and PittEnrich for elementary school students. We also work closely with the entire University to ensure we are providing community resources, intentional collaborations, and opportunities to connect with the University campus faculty, team, and staff.

pittenrich
Gismondi Neighborhood Education Program
2,338
Visitors to the CEC in Homewood in 2023-24
37
Community-benefiting education and wellness programs offered in 2023-24
300+
Planning meetings prior to the CEC in Homewood opening

CEC in Homewood Team

Vernard Alexandervernard alexander
Director, Community Engagement Center in Homewood
vla19@pitt.edu

All CEC in Homewood Staff

Homewood Neighborhood Advisory Council

The University’s approach in Homewood is informed at every stage by our Homewood Neighborhood Advisory Council, which consists of community leaders, residents, and other stakeholders who guide and ensure that the Community Engagement Center in Homewood is action-driven and intentional in the collaborations that are formed. The CEC in Homewood also provides workspace for community leaders, including Homewood Children's Village, Homewood Community Sports, and other community stakeholders.
 
Neighborhood Advisory Council

Our Neighborhood Advisory Council consists of University and community stakeholders who are part of the Homewood Collaborative, residents, volunteers, business owners within the community, community advocates, and elders.

  • Nena Ansari, University of Pittsburgh
  • Branden Ballard, University of Pittsburgh
  • Toni Beasley, Trying Together
  • Dina Blackwell, Homewood Renaissance Association
  • Chrisala Brown, University of Pittsburgh
  • Rashad Byrdsong, Community Empowerment Association
  • Dr. Keith Caldwell, University of Pittsburgh
  • Diane Daniels, East Hills Consensus Group
  • Margie Davis, Operation Better Block
  • José Diaz, YMCA
  • Dr. Lina Dostilio, University of Pittsburgh
  • Dr. Aliya Durham, University of Pittsburgh
  • Jonny Gamble, University of Pittsburgh
  • Dr. Nancy Gauvin, University of Pittsburgh
  • Dr. Jerome Gloster, Primary Care Health Services
  • Nicole Hudson, University of Pittsburgh
  • Michelle Hunter, University of Pittsburgh
  • Rhonda Jackson, University of Pittsburgh
  • Celiwe Jones, University of Pittsburgh
  • Walter Lewis, Homewood Children's Village
  • Samantha Mozden, University of Pittsburgh
  • Rev. Dr. Nichelle Nelson, YWCA
  • Dr. Catherine Rebitch, University of Pittsburgh
  • Zinna Scott, Operation Better Block
  • Marcia Scott, KBK Enterprises
  • Amber Sloan, MADE IT
  • Cheri Smith, YMCA
  • Rev. Dr. Juel Smith, Community College of Allegheny County
  • Carlos Thomas, Operation Better Block
  • Jill Tillman, UPMC
  • Diane Turner, TLC Libations
  • Cynthia Wallace, Bible Center Church
  • Rev. Dr. John Wallace, University of Pittsburgh
  • Anastasia White, University of Pittsburgh
Spaces in the CEC in Homewood

The CEC in Homewood is a welcoming space open to the community and the University of Pittsburgh.

To reserve a room or space at the CEC in Homewood, please submit a request online. 
Please be sure to review the CEC Facility Use Rules and Requirements and, if applicable, the University's guidance on Camps and Programs Involving Children prior to submitting your request.

To connect with us to serve/table at an event, have us present about our Neighborhood Commitments, and/or to tour and learn more about our CEC in Homewood, please email our Receptionist/Administrative Assistant Rhonda Jackson at RLJ49@pitt.edu.

classroom on the main floor
Classroom (Main Floor)

A larger classroom with a podium, video projector, two monitors, and three whiteboards. Portable sound amplification is available. This room can be reserved and can be arranged in groups to seat 36 or classroom style to seat 72.

conference room on the main floor
Conference Room (Main Floor)

This conference room includes a table, seating, whiteboard, and a shared monitor with laptop hook-up station. This room can be reserved and seats a maximum of eight people.

larger conference room
Larger Conference Room

This conference room includes a table, seating, whiteboard, and a shared monitor with laptop hook-up station. This room can be reserved and seats a maximum of eight people.

science lab
Science/STEAM Lab

This science laboratory and teaching space can be reserved for hands-on teaching and learning. Larger tables offer space for side-by-side and group activities. The maximum capacity is 30 people. The science/STEAM lab connects to the computer lab should both spaces need to be reserved.

computer lab
Computer Lab

This computer lab and teaching space offers 15 desktop computer stations. Two additional group learning areas provide a laptop hook-up station, each with their own shared screen. The maximum capacity is 25 people. Laptops are not provided. The computer lab connects to the science/STEAM lab should both spaces need to be reserved.

school of education classroom
School of Education Classroom

This classroom has child-/youth-level tables and seating, a private bathroom, dry erase board space for teaching, and full access to WiFi and monitor.

Medication Education and Wellness Center
Medication Education and Wellness Center

The Center provides a waiting area, conference room with video conference, and three privacy rooms/office spaces.

shrs wellness pavilion
SHRS Wellness Pavilion and Kitchen

The Wellness Pavilion includes open floor space that can be used as a recreation space or conference/meeting room with a drop-down projector screen. Also included is a full-function kitchen with the option for video recording, as well as three private rooms. Learn more about the SHRS Wellness Pavilion space and reserve a room.

Visit the CEC in Homewood
Address & Contact

CEC - Homewood
622 N. Homewood Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15208

cechomewood@pitt.edu

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Hours

Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Open select Tuesdays and Thursdays until 7:30 p.m.; evening hours determined by scheduled programming.

Parking & Transportation

Metered parking lot at the corner of Kelly Street and N. Homewood Avenue (across from CCAC)

Metered on-street parking

Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus 74 stops directly in front of the CEC (N. Homewood Avenue at Kelly Street)

Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus 71D stops at Hamilton Avenue and N. Homewood Avenue