Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church serves as a host site for community service projects and alternative break groups visiting Pittsburgh Pennsylvania! Since 2013 We’ve hosted a variety of groups including Vanderbilt University (8 visits), the University of Delaware (5 visits), the University of Kansas (2 visits), Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and others. We are also members of Break Away, a national nonprofit organization that promotes the development of quality alternative break programs through training, assisting, and connecting campuses and communities. We’ve assembled some resources here to help you plan your visit.
Interested in coming with your group? Contact <service at alleghenyuu.org>. 2020-21 reservations will open on December 1 2020. At this time it’s not clear whether Covid-19 precautions and safety protocols will allow visits for the forseeable future.
HOST
Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church
c/o Unitarian House
1110 Resaca Place
Pittsburgh PA 15212
WHAT WE OFFER
Guests stay in Unitarian House, directly behind the church, which has basic accommodations for up to 24 people. You’ll be sleeping on the floor, so air mattresses and sleeping bags are suggested. There are 2 bathrooms and kitchen facilities including a refrigerator and stoves available. You’ll have your own keys and can come and go 24/7 as needed. There may be other church and community programs during your stay, we’ll coordinate with you to minimize inconvenience.
We do not have onsite showers. The Allegheny YMCA is 1 block away and does have shower facilities, contact director Bill Pricener <wpricener at ymcapgh.org> to make arrangements. Opens Mon-Fri at 6am, Sat at 8am. Bring your own towels!
There will be free WiFi available during your visit.
Our 100+ year old building is a little worn but we’ll make it as welcoming and hospitable as possible for your stay. Please leave our spaces in the same condition as you found them when you depart.
AT THE CHURCH
Our Sunday worship happens at 10:30am, and folks will stay afterwards for coffee and conversation. You’re invited to come and say hello!
More: Church Calendar | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
PARKING
There is free street parking available, but there is also a neighborhood permit parking program in effect – check the map and street signs and observe their guidance on parking and street sweeping (Apr 1-Nov 30).
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Will be provided ahead of your visit.
PARTNERS
There are a variety of community and issue-based organizations doing vital work close to the church and across the city. A few that we suggest are Gwen’s Girls, Northside Common Ministries, and The Pittsburgh Project.
NEIGHBORHOOD
We are an urban church, close to downtown, and are located centrally on the North Side (or Northside) of Pittsburgh. The immediate neighborhood is locally known as the Mexican War Streets, the city neighborhood is officially Allegheny City Central.
Mexican War Streets Society | Allegheny City Central Association | City of Pittsburgh
TRANSPORTATION
Several Port Authority bus routes use W North Ave. There are 2 Subway or “T” stops that connect from the North Side to downtown and other neighborhoods. Healthy Ride offers short term bike rentals from several nearby stations and many more throughout the city. Uber and Lyft both operate in Pittsburgh. Electric scooter rentals are a new thing, check out Scoobi. Ride the Duquesne Incline or Monongahela Incline to take in the awesome views from Mt. Washington.
RELAXATION
Directly across West North Avenue from the church is the spacious and green West Park of Allegheny Commons which has lots of space, trees, paths, and Lake Elizabeth. A short walk away is the Alphabet Reading Garden at 1406 Monterey St which offers quiet and free WiFi! A slightly further walk towards downtown brings you to the North Shore Riverfront Park which runs along the Allegheny River. Or head to downtown where there are numerous parklets and 36-acre Point State Park.
RECREATION
Allegheny YMCA
600 W North Ave
Union Fitness
100 S Commons #180 (Nova Place)
Crossfit War Streets
600 W North Ave (YMCA)
Industrial Athletics
1707 Pennsylvania Ave
Northside Yoga
845 Western Ave
Physique Rx’d
835 Western Ave
Healthy Ride Pittsburgh
Various locations incl Ridge Ave at Brighton Rd and Federal St at W North Ave
COFFEE
Commonplace Coffee
1501 Buena Vista St
Crazy Mocha
2 E North Ave
Starbucks
808 Ridge Ave
Adda Coffee & Tea House
926 Western Ave
La Prima Espresso
Nova Place in Allegheny Commons
GROCERIES
Mayfly Market & Deli
1327 Arch St
Giant Eagle (delivery available)
320 Cedar Ave
Trader Joe’s
3 locations
Aldi
13 locations
Whole Foods Market (delivery available)
3 locations
FOOD/RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE
Peppi’s Subs
927 Western Ave
Deli on North
4 E North Ave
The Little Deli
860 Western Ave
Allegheny Sandwich Shoppe
822 Western Ave
El Burro Comedor
1108 Federal St
Badamo’s Pizza
1106 Federal St
Nicky’s Thai Kitchen
856 Western Ave
Monterey Pub
1227 Monterey St
The Park House
403 E Ohio St
Modern Cafe
862 Western Ave
Bier’s Pub
900 Western Ave
Bistro To Go
415 E Ohio St
Arnold’s Tea
502 E Ohio St
Max’s Allegheny Tavern
537 Suismon St
Lindos Restaurant
947 Western Ave
Clark Bar & Grill
503 Martindale St #100
Burgatory
342 North Shore Dr
Federal Galley – Michigan&Trumbull, El Lugar, Provision Pgh, Supper
200 Children’s Way (Nova Place)
Eco Bistro, City Fresh Pasta
100 South Commons (Nova Place)
Allegheny City Brewing
507 Foreland St
Penn Brewery
800 Vinial St
Southern Tier Brewing
316 North Shore Dr
Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse and Whiskey Garden
1055 Spring Garden Ave
Threadbare Cider House
1291 Spring Garden Ave
Subway
East Ohio St
Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, McDonalds
Allegheny Ave near Western Ave
Food Trucks at Nova Place – Wed & Fri lunch
100 South Commons (Nova Place)
Pittsburgh Mobile Food Truck Fleet
Everywhere
Gus & YiaYia’s Icy Ball Stand
On Western Ave/West Ohio St in Allegheny Commons (Since 1934, Summer only)
CULTURE
Randyland
1501 Arch St
Mattress Factory
500 Sampsonia Way
Andy Warhol Museum
117 Sandusky St
City of Asylum / Alphabet City
40 W North Ave
National Aviary
700 Arch St
Bicycle Heaven
1800 Columbus Ave
Carnegie Museums
4400 Forbes Ave – Oakland
Nationality Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh
Cathedral of Learning – 4200 Fifth Ave – Oakland
And lots more!
More local info available on our Visit page.