PITTSBURGH — The Allegheny County Department of Human Services announced its winter shelter plan for 2026-2027, establishing a network offering more than 600 beds for single adults across the county.
The shelter plan took effect on Nov. 1 and will remain active through April 15.
The county network provides overnight and daytime accommodations, hot meals and support services including medical care, counseling and case management. The plan aims to ensure individuals experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and assistance during the coldest months of the year.
As part of the plan, a winter shelter containing 141 beds opened at the Community Resource Mall, located at 2610 Maple Avenue. The facility operates in collaboration with the Northside Partnership Project and Community Family Advocates. The county provides free evening transportation from Second Avenue Commons to the Maple Avenue shelter, along with morning return transportation.
Daytime services remain available at the Second Avenue Commons Engagement Center, located at 700 Second Avenue in Pittsburgh. The center operates daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 365 days a year and allows pets. Additional daytime engagement sites operate throughout the county, with a full directory available on the county’s shelter website.
DHS will make 92 additional overflow beds available across three existing shelter facilities. Second Avenue Commons opened 40 overflow beds on Nov. 1, prioritized for individuals with mobility challenges. The Salvation Army Women’s Winter Overflow Shelter will open 20 beds on Nov. 15 and the East End Cooperative Ministry Winter Overflow Shelter will add 32 beds on Nov. 21.
Alex Jutca, director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, emphasized the department’s priority to expand support throughout the season.
“Ensuring that every person in Allegheny County has a warm, safe place to go during the winter months is one of our highest priorities,” Jutca said. “This year’s winter shelter plan builds upon last year’s plan, strengthening our network of providers and expanding our ability to meet people where they are — offering not only a place to sleep, but essential services that support long‑term stability and well‑being.”
While the adult shelter network serves single individuals, separate family shelter options operate across Allegheny County. Families can request shelter assistance by calling the Allegheny LINK at 1-866-730-2368 or visiting in person at 1 Smithfield Street in Pittsburgh, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
DHS plans to establish a year-round overflow shelter facility on Bigelow Boulevard in Polish Hill. That location is expected to open in 2027.
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