Allegheny County DHS Announces Winter Shelter Plan for 2026–2027

Published on November 02, 2026

PITTSBURGH - Today, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) is announcing its 2026–2027 winter shelter plan to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with safe, reliable options for shelter and support throughout the season. This year’s plan builds on the strengths of last year’s comprehensive efforts and offers an earlier start date so that people have a safe place to go, day or night, during the harshest months of the year. 

The winter shelter plan will be in effect from November 1, 2026, through April 15, 2027. This year’s network includes providers and facilities across Allegheny County, again offering more than 600 beds for single adults. The network will provide overnight and daytime accommodations, hot meals, and supports including medical care, counseling, and case management services. 

“Ensuring that every person in Allegheny County has a warm, safe place to go during the winter months is one of our highest priorities,” said Alex Jutca, Director of Allegheny County DHS. “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.” 

Key components of the 2026–2027 winter shelter plan include: 

  • Daytime Hours at Second Avenue Commons : 
    The Second Avenue Commons Engagement Center will continue operating daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, 365 days a year. Individuals in need may visit at any time. Additional daytime engagement sites throughout the county also remain available; a full list can be found at connect.alleghenycounty.us/shelter. 

  • Winter Shelter Opening November 1: 
    In collaboration with Northside Partnership Project and Community Family Advocates, DHS will open a winter shelter located at the Community Resource Mall, 2610 Maple Avenue. Free evening transportation from Second Avenue Commons to the Winter Shelter will be provided, along with morning return transportation. 

  • Additional Capacity Within Existing Shelters: 
    Alongside the 141 beds at the Winter Shelter, DHS will make 92 additional beds available beginning November 15 at Salvation Army, East End Cooperative Ministry, and Second Avenue Commons. The new beds at Second Avenue Commons will be prioritized for individuals with mobility challenges. 

Shelter Locations Opening: 

  • Salvation Army Women’s Winter Overflow Shelter – 20 beds (Opening 11/15/26) 

  • East End Cooperative Ministry Winter Overflow Shelter – 32 beds (Opening 11/21/26) 

  • Second Avenue Commons Overflow Shelter – 40 beds (Opening 11/1/26) 

A complete list of shelter options for single adults is available at connect.alleghenycounty.us/shelter. 

These resources are for adults. Family shelters are also available in Allegheny County, and no family should ever sleep outside. To access family shelter resources, contact the Allegheny LINK at 1‑866‑730‑2368. 

How to Access Help: 

Allegheny LINK 
In person: 1 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM 
Phone: 1‑866‑730‑2368 

Second Avenue Commons (Pets Welcome) 
In person: 700 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 
Phone: 412‑775‑9001 

DHS is continuing to move forward with plans to establish a year-round overflow shelter facility on Bigelow Boulevard in Polish Hill.  That site is expected to open in 2027. 

Media inquiries may be directed to Cydney Cooper, Public Information Officer for the Department of Human Services, at cydney.cooper@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-506-0288.

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