Beleza Community Coffeeshop was created in order to address issues of social justice and with hopes of encouraging sustainable, healthy communities. One small way we felt we could support such efforts was to educate and promote things like fair trade and locally produced goods. If you would like to learn more about our amazing coffee and tea distributers, or where we purchase our baked goods, go HERE.

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History
Beleza Community Coffeehouse was birthed out of the vision of seven friends who attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan. At Hope there existed a large community of people who found themselves like-minded in their concerns for social justice, peace, playing board games, sharing stories and food, and a desire to learn how to live like Jesus. Events such as a “Change the World” tea party was held, and ideas were brainstormed and deliberated. As friendships deepened and graduation approached, the desire to continue sharing their lives together as they grew older necessitated action, and the realization of the goodness and humility that is birthed in living in community provoked a conversation about moving somewhere together. While many already had cities, job offers, or dreams that pulled them in specific directions, a small group found themselves flexible to decide where they wanted to move and root themselves. There was not only a desire to live in the same city, but to live in intentional community with one another, sharing their belongings and responsibilities.

Gavin and Joanna had worked a few summers while in college at The Pittsburgh Project, a non-profit on the North Side. The job introduced them to the city of Pittsburgh; they saw her vacant buildings, distinct neighborhoods, kind denizens, beautiful hills and rivers, and need for young people who desire to be a part of the growth and positive change happening in the city. After introducing others to the city and discussing its potential, the decision was made to move. Over the span of a year, seven friends made the move to Pittsburgh, specifically to the Central North Side, not being sure what shape their dreams would take, but being committed to one another and to the city.

An empty storefront was discovered on Buena Vista in November 2005. After talking to neighbors and asking what they desired to see in their neighborhood, then landing a loan from the North Side Community Development Fund, Beleza Community Coffeehouse opened its' doors on February 25, 2006, hoping to be a “third-place” outside of work and home for people to get to know each other, spend time, share resources and share quality food and drink. Beleza strives to be a business that is concerned with the environment and our impact on it, supporting the local economy as much as is possible, and fair trade goods that ensure and promote the value and sustainability of those who produce them. Beleza welcomes people from all backgrounds, income levels, educations, experiences, races, and ages. Beleza's goal is to be a space that continually exists as a place to learn, grow, help each other, and be better neighbors.