HAPPENING AT THE CEC IN HOMEWOOD
We are excited to recognize Vernard Alexander, Director of our Pitt Community Engagement Center in Homewood, for being named a 2025 Larry's Hometown Hero by KDKA. If you know Vernard, you know why he's earned the nickname, "Connecting King" across Pittsburgh.
Vernard was honored for the work he does supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and empowering our community. He's helped launch countless small businesses in the area, and his impact goes way beyond our CEC. He owns the Minority Networking Exchange, which connects entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and access to capital they need to succeed. He's also a founder and partner of CKV Suites, an event space that serves our community and local businesses.
Celebrating, Vernard Alexander 2025 Larry's Hometown Hero
At the CEC, Vernard continues to build relationships and partnerships between the University and non-Pitt organizations by providing opportunities for entrepreneurship in business, creating community events as he serves on the Homewood Island Committee and continuing to fill gaps while building community partnerships.
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 2025
Find the events calendar online at www.cec.pitt.edu/homewood/calendar
Business & Wellness at the CEC in Homewood
BINGO
Diabetes Awareness Bingo Night! November 25, 2025
Dinner sponsored by Campus and Community Engagement - Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences.
Dinner 5 - 6 p.m. & Bingo 6 - 7 p.m. Register with Leen: 412-383-3770
Upcoming Closure
The CEC in Homewood will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 27 & Friday, Nov. 28.
ADDRESS & CONTACT
CEC - Homewood 622 N Homewood Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15208
412-383-0830 cechomewood@pitt.edu
*Evening
TUESDAY, November 4 & 18
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Small Business Office Hours
Meet with staff from the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh and Invest PGH to learn about business financing programs. Discover available technical assistance, understand steps and tips when applying for a loan Walkins welcome!
THURSDAY, November 6 & 20
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Meet Your Neighborhood Planner
Understand the Homewood Comprehensive Plan, projects in the community and learn about planning and other city processes. No appointment needed.
Questions: AdrianaBowman@pittsburghpa.gov
THURSDAY, November 13 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Homewood Collaborative Meeting
The Homewood Community Development Collaborative holds monthly community meetings about development activities in Homewood. This meeting is open to the public.
For more info: https://homewoodcollaborative.org
On-street
On-street parking is available on Kelly St. and Homewood Ave. Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus 74 stops directly in front of the CEC (Homewood Ave at Kelly St )
and 74 stops near the CEC