Meeting need
Put simply, they seem to have thought of everything.
One need only glance at the plans for Pittsburgh’s emerging one-of-akind shelter for people without homes to see the image of an initiative done right from the outset.
Ground has been broken for the Second Avenue Commons homeless shelter along Second Avenue. A summer 2022 opening is expected.
This shelter will do so much more than provide a safe haven for people who need one.
First off, it will open its doors to any and all, no strings attached. That means that a homeless person will not turned away, regardless of mental illness or addiction.
In fact, the new low-barrier shelter and its personnel will do all it can to invite inside anyone who needs a place to stay. Even pets will be allowed at the shelter.
The five-story, 42,000-square-foot facility will be open year-round and host 95 beds and 45 units of singleoccupancy housing.
On site will be medical and addiction services as well as social services to assist with unemployment.
This is on top of the expected accessibility to food and showers.
The site can even be used to receive mail and do laundry.
This project (a $20-million-plus enterprise) constitutes a picture of committed cooperation, a collaboration of public-private interests.
To name a few: government (Pittsburgh and Allegheny County), the charitable arms of local business (PNC, Highmark Health and UPMC), and the generosity of the region’s foundation community (Hillman Foundation, Heinz Endowments, R.K. Mellon Foundation, Pittsburgh Foundation.)
The location — a site that is within a walkable distance from businesses, public centers, and service providers — is ideal.
It was donated by the City of Pittsburgh.
UPMC will man the onsite behavioral health and medical clinic.
This shelter will address a need that is apparent to anyone inclined to look — at those who seek protection from the elements under bridges and in tents along our riverbanks, and into the faces of the panhandlers and those who walk the streets toting their meager belongings in carts and bags.
And for every single person encountered, there are more hidden from public view.
Allegheny County officials reported nearly 900 homeless people in 2020.
This shelter represents the best of us: our compassion for those who need it; our talent, ingenuity and generosity marshaled to meet the need; our drive to get it done.