Bloomfield Garfield Corporation

Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation (BGC) founded in 1976, is a community-based and board-driven, nonprofit development organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for all who live or work in Garfield and the East End neighborhoods that surround it. 

BGC By the Numbers:

• 50 Years serving Garfield & the East End

• 400+ affordable homes created since 1983

• 284 affordable rental units developed

• 128 first-time homebuyer homes built or renovated

• 115 residents placed in jobs (2025)

• 158 resumes completed (2025)

• 100% CCRP seniors graduated and entered college, training, or careers

• 150+ businesses, arts groups & nonprofits in the Penn Avenue District

• 13,000 households receive The Bulletin each month

• 28 households received emergency financial assistance

• 109 households received free tax preparation

• 150 children received winter coats, toys & supplies

Learn more about our Programs!

BGC's housing programs focus on preserving and expanding affordable housing through rental assistance, home repair loans and grants, and new construction and renovations. Since 1983, the BGC has developed or assisted in the development of over 400 affordable housing units, including 284 rental homes and apartments in Garfield and along Penn Avenue. 

BGC’s youth programs include the College and Career Readiness Program (CCRP), which helps students explore education and career paths, offering mentorship and career exploration, and the Summer Learn and Earn program, providing paid summer internships for youth.

The Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center (ENEC) supports community members with job searches, resume writing, interview preparation, and career guidance through one-on-one assistance, as well as a public computer lab.

The Penn Ave Arts & Commercial District program supports over 100 local businesses, arts groups, and nonprofits by providing resources and assistance to promote growth, increase minority- and women-owned businesses, and ensure access to essential goods for residents.

"Unblurred" is Pittsburgh’s longest-running art crawl, attracting people from across the region to enjoy a mix of art, dance, music, shopping, and dining along Penn Avenue every First Friday of the month since 1998. The "Garfield Night Market" is a monthly arts market that is part of Unblurred bringing together local makers, artisans, nonprofits, entertainers, and food trucks.

The BGC is also the umbrella for BOOM Concepts, a nationally recognized arts collaborative which provides a platform for the work of marginalized voices in the arts, particularly those of Black and femme artists. Since 2014, BOOM Concepts has curated over 50 exhibitions, paid out $216,000 in artists' fees, and produced more than 50 events nationwide.

BGC’s neighborhood monthly print and digital newspaper, The Bulletin, has been providing local news and information since 1976, serving around 13,200 homes and offering affordable advertising for small businesses and nonprofits.

Launched in 2016, the Garfield GreenZone project spans 30 acres of green spaces and aims to create sustainable, inclusive areas to counter gentrification, promote health, and foster community engagement.

The Rotunda: A Community Arts & Events Center: The BGC is embarking on the conversion of the former B'nai Israel synagogue on N. Negley Ave. into a community-owned and managed center where smaller arts organizations can share performing space, and community members can gather for a broad variety of private events and public forums at reduced cost. It will feature a flexible 50- to 500-seat auditorium for community events and cultural programs that will fill a growing void in the East End for a place where people can freely congregate to create, celebrate and commemorate.

The BGC provides essential community services, including the Neighbors in Need emergency grants, which assist households with basic expenses during times of crisis, the Coats for Kids program, which ensures local children receive winter coats, and free tax preparation services to help low-income households maximize their refunds.

Testimonials

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

The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation has supported me in my job search, helped me secure a wonderful new rental home in Garfield, and put me in a better position for my future.-- Cidney Christian, Garfield Resident