Campus groups adopt area blocks

Kelly Hoffman, a community organizer for the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation, is… Kelly Hoffman, a community organizer for the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation, is sometimes overwhelmed by the abundance of litter in Oakland.

“I live in Shadyside, and people there would never think to do the things people do here,” Hoffman said. “In Oakland, there is the perception that it is OK to litter because there is already litter on the ground.”

To help end this cycle, the OPDC, a non-profit group dedicated to bettering the community of Oakland, has launched its adopt-a-block program. The program recruits campus organizations to care for small segments of Oakland. On the first Saturday of every month, participating groups pick up litter, plant flowers and, if needed, remove graffiti on their respective blocks.

The response thus far has been pleasing, according Laura Halula, an OPDC intern who is involved in adopt-a-block.

“Six [groups], so far, have signed on,” she said. These groups include Alpha Phi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and the Athletic Training Student Association.

The brothers of Sigma Alpha Epsilon have adopted the notoriously party-ravaged streets, Atwood Street and Oakland Avenue.

“This year, we wanted to up our involvement with the University and community,” Vice President Justin Merservie said. “We want to show the community that Greek life is more than the stereotype that is given to us.”

The Athletic Training Student Association has adopted McKee Place, from its intersection with Louisa Street to Bates Street. The group consists of students in Pitt’s Undergraduate Athletic Training Education Program.

“By their nature, athletic trainers help and take care of people,” President Leigh Weiss said. “We wanted to give back to the campus and community.”

Hoffman and Halula want to stress that student groups’ blocks will hardly be left unassisted in their efforts.

“The city of Pittsburgh, despite financial troubles, is helping us by donating supplies and agreeing to haul trash,” Hoffman said.

Pitt is also providing supplies.

Hoffman and Halula have been pleased with the number of groups who have volunteered, but they would like to expand the program and eventually take it to North Oakland. Groups interested in participating can e-mail Halula at lahst49@pitt.edu.