Homelessness
Bureau of Hunger and Housing Services at 412-350-4031
10 Year Plan to End Homelessness
The Office of Community Services, through the Bureau of Hunger and Housing Services, works with agencies that operate facilities to house people who find themselves homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Housing options include emergency shelter, bridge or transition housing and permanent housing.
Several homeless agencies provide supportive services and case management to help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless with their very complex issues. The range of these services includes information and referral, advocacy, case management, shelter and assistance with funds for housing.
Information about services for persons who are homeless is available on www.humanservices.net.
Homeless Services on HumanServices.net
All Shelters on HumanServices.net
Shelters for Youth on HumanServices.net
Shelters for Families on HumanServices.net
Shelters for Men on HumanServices.net
Shelters for Women on HumanServices.net
Severe Weather Emergency Shelter (SWES)
The Severe Weather Emergency Shelter (SWES) program is operated by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Office of Community Services, in conjunction with Mercy Hospital's Operation Safety-Net. During periods of excessively severe weather conditions, SWES provides shelter to the homeless population who normally live on the streets and do not utilize one of the 12 existing emergency shelters. SWES provides food, clothing, counseling, and warmth for homeless individuals.
Interested persons can call 412-779-1329, the 24-hour information phone number, that has a pre-recorded message announcing if the shelter is open that evening, the hours of operation and the location.
Mercy Hospital's Operation Safety Net can be reached at 412-232-5739.
SWES is located at:
Smithfield United Church
620 Smithfield Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
SWES is in operation between the hours of 7:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m. when the following conditions exist between November 15 and March 15:
- Temperature is predicted to be 25 degrees or less factoring in wind chill.
- Conditions of freezing rain, heavy snowfall, severe wind chill factor, etc.
- During a National Weather Service declared blizzard/emergency weather situation.
Please be aware that any individual who is deemed to be a danger to others may not be admitted by shelter staff. He/She will be required to abide by the rules.
Operation Safety Net provides physical health care services to homeless consumers at the shelter. Mental health services and referrals are provided on site by a psychiatric nurse and social worker from the Bethlehem Haven's 902 Clinic. There is often a psychiatrist on site as well. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank provides nutritious food throughout the winter season. Mercy Hospital's Operation Safety Net coordinates staffing at the shelter which includes outreach workers and volunteers.
The 11,500 square feet of space in the basement of the church comprises a kitchen area, showers, restrooms and a gym floor for the purpose of providing severe weather emergency shelter for adult homeless men and women. The downtown Pittsburgh location also has a private entrance and a central location making it accessible for police and fire departments and outreach workers from other homeless shelters to bring in individuals.
Related Publications
Homelessness in Allegheny County August 31, 2009 (PowerPoint)
HUD/HAP Contracted Providers Directory
This directory provides detailed contact information and program descriptions about services for those who are homeless and near homeless.
Homeless Point in Time Survey
Fact Sheet - Allegheny County Homelessness Continuum of Care FY 2008-09
Hunger and Housing Homeless Vacancy Report