Service Projects and Alternative Breaks

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.

University of Delaware Alternative Spring Break 2016 in West Park of Allegheny Commons

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!

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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.