Bloomfield Garfield Corporation

The BGC exists to improve the quality of life for all in Garfield and surrounding neighborhoods through active community engagement. Community-based & board driven, one of the BGC's main goals is to involve as many people in the community as possible in efforts aimed at physical revitalization, an improved economy, & strengthened well-being. The primary beneficiaries of our projects and programs are low-income individuals and families living or working in Garfield & the surrounding neighborhoods

Youth Development - The BGC supports over 140 young people, ages 14-21 years old, in completing high school, making informed decisions about their future, and getting their first work experience through multiple youth programming initiatives.



Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center (ENEC) - The ENEC serves as a career exploration, job-search, job placement, and resource center for people of all ages. In 2022, the ENEC placed 80 individuals in new jobs.



Community Engagement - The BGC encourages the involvement of stakeholders in shaping the neighborhood's future by hosting meetings with residents, business owners, and City officials, soliciting resident input into major development and projects in the community, and addressing any issues that affect residents.



Garfield Greenzone - The Garfield Green Zone is a 4.5-mile stretch of contiguous green space in Garfield that BGC is strengthening and protecting as part of the neighborhood's bold vision for environmental justice. The Greenzone initiative created the first walking trail in Garfield in 2022 and additional sites are consistently being identified for future community use.



Developing Affordable Housing - The BGC works to ensure that decent, affordable housing is available for all residents of our community. An upcoming project for 2023 is the construction of 25 affordable rental homes in Garfield to be known as the "Garfield Highlands"



Attracting New Businesses to Penn Ave. - Whether it's attracting major companies or small businesses, the BGC works to find a home for enterprises that serve the interests of both the neighborhood and the region.



The Bulletin - The Bulletin informs the community about news, events, people, and initiatives in our neighborhoods. This free monthly publication is mailed to 13,000 residents across Pittsburgh



BOOM Concepts - BOOM Concepts is a program within the BGC, dedicated to the development of artists and creative entrepreneurs representing marginalized voices.



Teen Neighborhood Think Space (TNT): TNT combines both BGC long standing youth programming in efforts to support young people who may not be eligible for WIOA or TANF services. The TNT Space also incorporates environmental and arts education through the Garfield Green Zone project and BOOM Concepts.



Supportive Services/Resource Hub - The BGC operates a public computer lab within the ENEC that assists people in accessing critical resources that can make a difference in their lives. We also manage a fund to help Neighbors in Need and offer free tax return preparation services for working class folks.



Neighbors in Need Crisis Fund- A pool of funds that exists to give financial assistance to people in our community who are going through an unexpected crisis and cannot find assistance from any other source. The program primarily serves residents of the East End of the City of Pittsburgh who are at risk of homelessness, job loss, or an inability to meet fundamental needs due to unexpected circumstances.

Testimonials

The BGC is an organization dedicated to connecting the community with resources and services that allows them to improve their quality of life.- Amber M. Epps, D.Sc, Ed.D- Co-Owner of Arts & Crafts: Botanica

The BGC has been integral in BOOM Concepts ability to serve artists and the community at large since 2014- D.S. Kinsel, Co-Founder BOOM Concepts