ABOUT US

Our Story

Just Mediation Pittsburgh (JMP) was founded in 2020 to rebuild and sustain community-based mediation in Allegheny County, continuing the legacy of the former Pittsburgh Mediation Center. JMP was created from the belief that conflict can be addressed constructively and that communities deserve accessible alternatives to adversarial systems.

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Since its founding, JMP has worked to increase access to justice by providing free, community-centered mediation services that help individuals resolve conflict through dialogue, understanding, and collaborative problem-solving. JMP offers an alternative approach to conflict resolution outside of the traditional court system, creating neutral spaces where people can find common ground and develop practical, mutually agreed-upon solutions. While JMP’s work initially focused on landlord-tenant disputes and eviction prevention, the organization’s broader mission has always centered on strengthening communities through early intervention and relationship-centered conflict resolution.

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At the heart of JMP’s mission is a commitment to building a stronger culture of constructive conflict resolution within the community. Since its inception, JMP has trained and supported over 100 community mediators, helping expand local capacity for dialogue, peace-building, and collaborative problem-solving across Allegheny County.

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Since 2020, JMP has facilitated thousands of mediations with agreement rates consistently above 90%, demonstrating the effectiveness of mediation as a tool for housing stability, access to justice, and community well-being. Operating exclusively in a virtual setting, JMP conducts mediations remotely via video call and phone, increasing accessibility and flexibility for participants across the region while reducing barriers to participation.

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As housing instability and eviction filings continued rising across Allegheny County, JMP developed a coordinated Housing Stabilization Mediation Program designed to help landlords and tenants resolve disputes before they escalate into court involvement or displacement. Over time, JMP became a key partner within the Allegheny Housing Stabilization Collaborative (AHSC), working alongside organizations that provide rental assistance, legal services, and resource navigation. This integrated “no wrong door” approach ensures households receive comprehensive support that addresses both immediate crises and long-term stability. JMP also partners with organizations to provide financial counseling.

Today, JMP continues expanding its impact through mediation, community partnerships, systems collaboration, and exploration of new community mediation pathways. The organization remains committed to creating communities where conflict is addressed early, relationships are strengthened, and individuals have equitable access to supportive, non-adversarial solutions.