Neighborhood Outreach Group hits the north facet to attach these in want with sources – CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A North Side initiative is taking to the streets. Thrive18’s mission is to help the community thrive from mental health resources to rental assistance.

“You think that people who need help are different from you. But I’ve learned that they are just like me,” said Rev. Brenda Gregg.

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Gregg heads Project Destiny and within that organization is Thrive18.

“I tell people we’re trying to get you everything you need, from an apartment to socks. If all you need is a pair of socks, we’ll try to find a resource for that, ”said Renita Freeman, Thrive18 outreach specialist.

These outreach workers have taken to the sidewalk to help a community and it’s been successful with the help of community partners including the Buhl Foundation, Highmark Health, Allegheny Health Network, the Allegheny County Health Department, Gateway Health, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services and the City of Pittsburgh.

“There is growing evidence that a person’s zip code is the strongest indicator of how long they will live. So with Thrive18 we used data and analysis to target the households with the greatest needs, ”said Nebeyou Abebe, SVP of Social Determinants of Health at Highmark.

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A huge need is health care, and with health care comes the pandemic and vaccines.

“People are still hesitant and I think for a lot of them it’s just a matter of people who look like them, people who have been tested and vaccinated themselves. You can have this personal dialogue and I think it will take it, ”Gregg said.

So, not only could a knock on your door bring you much-needed groceries or information to roll up your sleeves, but it can also help you better connect with your own community.

“The North Side is special and you know the history, the people of the North Side, we don’t make them special, we just add to what is already there to make it special,” said Freeman .

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With social distancing, Thrive18 has set up a 24/7 phone number if anyone needs help or has questions. That number is 412-231-1258.