Causes: Civil Rights, Education, Educational Services, Homeless & Housing, Housing Support

Mission: Our Mission: To provide advocacy, community engagement, and direct service programs that support the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness in Allegheny County. Our Vision: That all children and youth experiencing homelessness will receive the necessary educational resources, guidance and opportunities to launch them on a path of success in school and in life.

Target demographics: Children and youth experiencing homelessness of all ages.

Geographic areas served: Our direct education services are focused primarily in Allegheny County, but we work to build awareness and outreach throughout the region and the state.

Programs: Building Blocks Afterschool Program:Our afterschool and summer programs empower students to realize their full potential as learners and citizens through daily on-site programming led by highly qualified teachers and volunteers who work with students on homework, literacy, and creative projects. Teen Outreach Program:HCEF’s Teen Outreach Program aims to confront the challenges teenage youth who experience homelessness face and to offer a college and career road map to success for each individual identified through HCEF’s partnerships in Allegheny County. Hope Through Learning Award:Financial awards are available to young people who have persevered against homelessness and are going on to higher education or career training. Recipients can use their award for tuition, school-related expenses such as books or a computer, or living expenses, such as transportation, child care, or housing. Enrichment Program:Our enrichment program engages children and families in a variety of hands-on learning activities that foster their creativity and critical thinking skills. Through partnerships with Pittsburgh’s leading cultural, artistic and educational organizations, we are able to meet the need for quality out-of-school-time learning opportunities for children served by homeless housing agencies in Allegheny County. Educational Mini-Grants & Field Trips:Mini-Grants and Field Trip Grants provide homeless housing providers with funds that may be spent on educational programs, projects, materials, and community excursions.