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WHEREAS, Nikki DiMaria serves as the Environmental Outreach Team Lead at Bridge to the Mountains, a street outreach nonprofit serving unhoused populations in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County; and
WHEREAS, Bridge to the Mountains, founded in 2015 by David Lettrich and currently led by Calla Kainaroi, works to build meaningful and consistent relationships with people who are lacking permanent housing; and,
WHEREAS, in conjunction with Bridge to the Mountains' efforts to facilitate a continuous care model of service coordination, Nikki ensures that the organization's clients have access to clean, dignified living spaces; and,
WHEREAS, Nikki and her colleague, Cal Wenger, provide non-judgmental support while removing debris, trash, and hazardous waste from places where clients reside; and,
WHEREAS, for people living in public spaces, sanitation is not just about cleanliness; sanitation is about reclaiming a sense of humanity and fostering a sense of pride in one's environment, no matter how temporary; and,
WHEREAS, ensuring clean living spaces helps reduce health risks associated with unsanitary conditions, improving both mental and physical health of residents which, in turn, helps the broader community; and,
WHEREAS, Nikki approaches clients with respect and empathy, fostering genuine relationships built on trust and support to help them regain autonomy and agency; and,
WHEREAS, while facilitating cleanups and coordinating waste removal logistics, Nikki and her team act as interlocutors between city departments and our displaced neighbors; and,
WHEREAS, this coordination includes weekly partnerships with the Center for Employment Opportunities, assembling 5-to-15-person teams of formerly incarcerated individuals who join Nikki in the work of restoring dignity in the lives of people lacking permanent shelter; and,
WHEREAS, Nikki, Cal, and the entire CEO team approach their work with compassion, empathy, and sensitivity, recognizing that each individual'...
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