Get to know the Homewood Community Engagement Center at a Sept. 24 block party

The Homewood Community Engagement Center (CEC) is hosting a block party on Sept. 24 to showcase its new leadership and facilities.

The CECs are a part of the University’s Neighborhood Commitments, Pitt’s long-term, place-based partnerships with local communities, in which all 17 schools and a variety of academic centers and business units are involved.

The Pitt Community Engagement Center in Homewood Phase 2 Block Party and Celebration is free and open to the public. The party, which takes place from noon to 5 p.m., will feature music by DJ Big Phill, Food from 7 Senses Catering and a showcase from Pittsburgh-based artist Cue Perry and other artists. Additionally, more than 20 tables representing various Pitt schools and offices, as well as community organizations will be available.

Partygoers will have the opportunity to tour the facility and connect with staff from the CEC and Pitt’s Office of Engagement and Community Affairs, as well as other University employees. It’s also a chance to reintroduce the CEC to the community, which may have missed some of the changes to the center during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Phase two” of the center officially opened in early 2020, offering a stronger focus on health and nutrition with a display kitchen and Wellness Pavilion in partnership with the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Additional programming and spaces for Pitt’s Schools of Education, Nursing and Pharmacy are also a part of phase two, along with additional classrooms, a computer lab and more. 

In August, Homewood native Michelle Stewart was named director of the Homewood CEC after her predecessor, Daren Ellerbee, was named the inaugural director of Pitt’s new Educational Outreach Center.

The Homewood CEC is located at 622 N Homewood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15208.

— Donovan Harrell