Operation Better Block

Operation Better Block Reweaving the fabric of community life in Homewood since 1971. (FAT) to stimulate the political, educational, social, and economic life of the community.
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In the wake of social disturbances which rocked American inner-city communities in the late 1960's, Homewood-Brushton residents created Forever Action Together, Inc. In 1969 the Housing Committee of FAT, inspired by an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that detailed a summer youth program in New York that encouraged self-help to overcome neighborhood blight and deterioration, traveled to New

York and returned with a modified program model. With initial funds provided by the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, the Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise (PACE), foundations, local businesses and corporations, Operation Better Block, Inc. (OBB) was established in 1970 and incorporated in 1971 to promote the revitalization of Homewood and to restore it to its former vitality. Early on, OBB focused exclusively on community organization, an approach predicated on the belief that the problems of physical development, economic development and cultural development could be best enhanced by working with the individual residential blocks that comprised the neighborhood. Implicit in this approach was the recognition that community development must be a bottom-up process; that residents assume the primary role in formulating community development goals and objectives consistent with their perception of neighborhood needs. In 2010, OBB expanded its core services from one to five. In addition to community organizing, OBB began providing services that focus on outreach, safety, youth development, and community development (i.e. real estate development). The decision to provide services in these areas is a direct result of OBB’s “1,000 Conversations” campaign, in which staff listened to the concerns and priorities of over 1,000 Homewood residents, information from evaluations of over 1,500 properties conducted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

08/30/2026

Here's what happens when you empower youth to inspire others and teach young people safe biking in their communities.

👀 Homewood, we have a question…What if our neighborhood’s most beloved park honored one of Homewood’s most beloved peopl...
07/24/2026

👀 Homewood, we have a question…

What if our neighborhood’s most beloved park honored one of Homewood’s most beloved people?

We’re working to rename Baxter Park in honor of Mrs. Mary Savage—a woman whose legacy of love, service, and community deserves to live on.

💬 Take a few minutes to swipe through the facts.
✍🏾 Sign the petition.
📲 Share it with someone who loves Homewood as much as you do.

Let’s make history together.

🔗 www.change.org/baxterparknamechange

At last nights Homewood Community Development Collaborative Meeting we heard from the Pittsburgh Land bank about how Hom...
07/10/2026

At last nights Homewood Community Development Collaborative Meeting we heard from the Pittsburgh Land bank about how Homewood could benefit from a new pilot program aimed to restore and build housing across Homewood.

See you at the next one

06/24/2026

Our Jr. Green Corps was caught outside today planting sunflowers on N. Homewood Ave.

Huge thanks to New Pittsburgh Courier for stopping by to see our students in action.

Another job opportunity waiting for you !
05/27/2026

Another job opportunity waiting for you !

Want to get paid to listen to music?! 👀

We’re holding open interviews at the venue on Thursday, May 28, at 5:30 PM, so come with your resume ready to chat 💚

Knowledge is the foundation of homeownership. 🏡Our First-Time Homeownership Cohort is off to coming to an end today. We ...
05/26/2026

Knowledge is the foundation of homeownership. 🏡

Our First-Time Homeownership Cohort is off to coming to an end today. We want to say thank you to everyone participating and helping make the dream of homeownership possible through our partnership with

🌱 Pull up to the Pop-Up Seedling Sale and get your garden growing! From fresh herbs to veggie starters, we’ve got everyt...
05/26/2026

🌱 Pull up to the Pop-Up Seedling Sale and get your garden growing! From fresh herbs to veggie starters, we’ve got everything you need to plant something beautiful this season. 🌿💚

📍 JAMII Market — 627 N. Homewood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
🗓 Friday 5/29 | 4PM–6PM
🗓 Saturday 5/30 | 12PM–2PM

Cash, credit & debit accepted.
Come support community gardening with Homewood, , Operation Better Block, the & 🌻

The is hosting Budget Engagement sessions and your input is important… These sessions are meant to engage residents on ...
05/15/2026

The is hosting Budget Engagement sessions and your input is important…

These sessions are meant to engage residents on how our tax dollars should be spent in the upcoming year. From everything to parks, roads to community projects.

Everyone’s voice matters, make sure yours is heard!

Address

801 N Homewood Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
15208

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(412) 731-1908

Website

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