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Support from Pitt

 

We’re committed to being a University of the community. Pitt students, faculty, and staff are volunteering to provide technology support, well-checks, and a host of other forms of support. For community members, this means access to resources and information. If you or your organization would like to submit a volunteer opportunity or have a need, please use this form.

Community Technology Help Desk

Staffed by Pitt faculty, staff, and student volunteers, the Community Technology Help Desk offers trained volunteers who can help you to answer your technology questions. Informational flyers for both community organizations and residents are available to download and print. 

The Help Desk can assist you with technology-related questions like: 

  • How to connect to the internet.
  • Using e-mail or computer applications.
  • Using computers, phones, tablets, or other devices.
  • How to use printers, scanners, and fax machines.
  • Any other related technology questions!

Accessing the Technology Help Desk:

During what hours can I get help? 

The help desk is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but assistance will be dependent on volunteer availability.

How do I reach the Community Technology Help Desk? 

Organizations call: (412) 624-6007
Residents call: (412) 383-0805. If prompted enter ID: 702 100 473#

​Do I need to make an appointment? 

Appointments are not needed. A scheduling system is still being looked into to provide appointment scheduling and connecting to volunteer schedule.

Note: the Community Technology Help Desk is staffed by volunteers who have received training and will assist as best they can. For more difficult or challenging problems, volunteers will refer you to an IT professional at Pitt or an IT professional located in your neighborhood.

Care and Connection Calls

In partnership with community organizations, Pitt faculty, staff, and student volunteers are supporting our partners in reaching out, via telephone, to the families and individuals they serve to be sure people feel connected to the resources they need. Care and connection calls will seek to: 

  • Reassure community members by facilitating check-ins with the community for the most at-risk population.
  • Provide a connection with people who may be isolated.
  • Connect people to United Way 211 or other resources that may be needed.
  • Note: Care and connection callers are staffed by volunteers who have received training and will assist as best they can. For more difficult or challenging problems, volunteers will refer you to a professional resource.

University of Pittsburgh Library Resource Guide

The Pitt Library system has prepared this comprehensive and up-to-date list of community resources including information on COVID-19, basic needs assistance, and access to online resources for children and families.

Business Assistance

Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE)

Pitt’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is available for individual meetings by phone or real-time video conferencing on multiple platforms. The team will continue to work with existing clients as well as take on new clients and referrals. New requests for for-profit small business assistance can reach us by e-mail (sbdc@innovation.pitt.edu) or by phone (412-648-1542) and leave a message. We are checking and returning messages regularly. Current SBDC Clients should reach out directly to their SBDC Business Consultant.

The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence has compiled resources for impacted businesses that includes links and information pertaining to Paycheck Protection Program and similar grant loan programs, Back-to-Work/Workplace Safety information, relevant business-focused webinars, and more.

The IEE regularly hosts webinars for business owners and leaders. Visit our events page to see upcoming offerings.

Additional resources provided by University of Pittsburgh Departments

The Community Leisure Learn Program offers resources to help families stay active.

The Office of Child Development compiled resources to support learning and development for families and provided ths PDF to be downloaded.

Stay active at home with Be Fit Pitt. Live videos for adults and children available.