Shelter opening in Downtown church while work still needed on new facility

With the new Second Avenue Commons homeless shelter not ready for occupancy, Allegheny County announced a seasonal lowbarrier shelter is open at night temporarily at a Downtown church.

Smithfield United Church of Christ at 620 Smithfield St. began operations Tuesday. It will be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. seven days a week and can hold 50 men and 20 women.

The county Department of Human Services said housing staff will work with people being served for housing and behavioral health referrals and will also begin the intake process for Second Avenue Commons so that they may be relocated once the occupancy permit is in place. Meal service will be provided, along with access to showers and laundry.

Services are being provided by Pittsburgh Mercy’s Operation Safety Net and Community Human Services Corporation through a contract with DHS.

The county, city of Pittsburgh and their health care partners had hoped to have the Second Avenue facility open by Nov. 15, the usual starting date for shelters to operate in the city. But work is still needed to be completed by contractors.

The city last week removed a homeless encampment along the Allegheny River but was holding off on any further action at other locations while encouraging people to seek more secure temporary housing.