BTC Center, Inc.

BTC Center, Inc. (BTCC) is a non-profit community resource which supports the residents in Homewood and other communities through programming and services designed to improve quality of life and build equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities. Our mission is to help BUILD THE COMMUNITY by addressing food insecurity, public health and other issues that are the result of health and social disparities and other identified needs of disadvantaged communities.  We sponsor a Food Pantry and a Community Garden.  We offer an annual health fair and vaccination clinic and, to bridge the digital gaps in our communities which prevents access to health, wellness and other information, we offer computer training to seniors. 

FOOD PANTRY: Homewood (where BTCC is located) is a food desert (lacking access to grocery stores) and many clients do not have easy access to a grocery store due to financial constraints and transportation needs. Thus, BTCC's Food Pantry distributes food and paper supplies on the fourth Saturday of each month to about 150 clients. Additionally, the Food Pantry supplies foods for those who have emergent needs between the monthly distribution dates. The Food Pantry is a contracted affiliate of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and partners with LifeSpan, Inc. for senior boxes.  

COMMUNITY GARDEN:  After suffering vandalism and increasing crime in BTCC's Garden area, BTCC adapted the program rather than discontinuing it, aligning leadership, safety, and capacity realities with community engagement. In 2026, Grow Pittsburgh awarded the Garden the 2026 Garden Get Down award in recognition of the work done to support the community and the efforts of BTCC to re-build the Garden. The award letter states: “We are really impressed by the revamp you have given the garden, the perseverance you've had in bringing it new life, and the strong community connections and true sense of welcome that you've built there. It's been a privilege to collaborate with you more the past two years!”  We are proud of our organic offerings and the enthusiastic involvement of our neighbors in the Garden. 

HEALTH FAIR AND VACCINATION CLINIC:  Partnering with various partners, such as UPMC and a local church, BTCC has sponsored this annual wellness event to deliver information and services to all ages in a culturally competent and trusted environment.  Participation levels and engagement have confirmed that barriers to wellness are being addressed.  

COMPUTER CLASSES FOR SENIORS: Since 2021, BTCC has held computer classes for seniors.  In 2026, classes were held at two senior citizen facilities: Silver Lake Commons located in the Homewood community and the Fairmont Senior Residences in the Garfield community.  The classes instruct on basic skills, provide guidance in how to research the internet to access information and instruct on how to use the meeting platform Zoom. The computer classes fill a deficit that must be erased for seniors to cope with the growing use of virtual services. Further, we believe that the use of a computer can serve to connect seniors to the community despite any isolation caused by health or other conditions.

BTCC seeks contributions to support the continuation of its mission to improve the health and quality of life for those in critical need. The issues resulting from disparities in the communities served by BTCC were exacerbated by the pandemic and inflation. Recent legislation will impact the poorest and disadvantaged, further destabilizing poor communities. Due to eliminated or reduced government support, we expect continued health disparities, poor health outcomes, job loss, anxieties about family sustenance, and coping concerns - all leading to increased stress within the family and, thus the community. As we seek to build the community, our charge to action is greater than ever.  We appreciate your support.

Testimonials

In 2026. Grow Pittsburgh awarded BTCC the 2026 Garden Get Down award in recognition of the work done to support the community. The award letter states: “We are really impressed by the revamp you have given the garden, the perseverance you've had in bringing it new life, and the strong community connections and true sense of welcome that you've built there. It's been a privilege to collaborate with you more the past two years!”

"The food pantry was very prompt in responding to my need for emergency food. It is such a blessing to me and my sons. Thank you all so much!" -Christopher P., Upland Street

"I want to report that on our end; our collaboration appears to be a very successful endeavor. The boxes of produce were beautiful and had a variety of good foods. The volunteers at the food pantry were helpful, my care managers were happy to get out in the field, and the consumers I spoke with were very grateful. -Jessyka Russell, Associate Director of Care Management, Lifespan, Inc.

"The food pantry helps out a lot, especially between food stamps. - Client of Food Pantry