Office of Community Services

The Office of Community Services (OCS) is committed to providing human services that empower people and work to build a healthy, connected community. Through more than 100 community-based agencies and direct services, OCS offers programming that stabilizes housing, strengthens families, and supports community.

Types of Services

Stabilizing Housing

Allegheny County DHS fulfills the operational duties of the Allegheny County Continuum of Care (CoC), which carries out Allegheny County’s services for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

• Homeless Services
  • Coordinated Entry (Allegheny Link)
  • Homeless Supports Coordination
• Diversion and Eviction Prevention
• Landlord Services (Housing Navigator Unit)

Strengthening Families

• Early Childhood
  • Pregnancy to Three Years Supports
  • Home Visiting for new parents
  • Family Centers
  • Child Care and Early Learning Programs (ELRC)
• School Aged
  • Out-of-School Time Programs
  • Community-led Diversion (Caring Connections 4 YOUth)
• Transition Aged Youth
  • 412 Youth Zone
  • Youth Support Partners
  • Asset Matching Program

Supporting Community

• Self-sufficiency Programs(PDF, 207KB)
• Financial Empowerment Centers
• MDJ Resource Specialists
• Community Resource Hub(PDF, 305KB)
• Choice Neighborhood Grant  

Information about Services

If you are looking for help and aren’t sure where to start, visit Allegheny Connect.

For 24/7 information and referral contact PA 211 Southwest. Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211

To access family shelter or services for individuals who are experiencing homelessness contact the Allegheny Link Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm at 1-866-730-2368.

For General information about OCS and its services Email DHSResourceSupport@alleghenycounty.us or call 412-350-2449

Other Resources You Might Find Helpful

• Allegheny Connect - Basic Needs
• Brochures
• Resource Guides
• For Providers of Services Funded by OCS
• To Become a DHS-contracted Provider

About OCS

Office Locations

Human Services Building
One Smithfield Street, Suite 200
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2221
Phone: 350-6611
Fax: 412-350-2785

Riverfront Place
Homeless Services and Supports Coordination
810 River Avenue, Suite 220
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

OCS Profile(PDF, 278KB)
One-page overview of the agency and a more detailed description of the agency including legal mandates, administration, fiscal and person statistics, programs and services, and contact information.

Administration

• Erin Dalton, DHS Director
• Abigail Horn, DHS Deputy Director, OCS
• With local oversight by the
  • County Community Services Advisory Council
  • Homeless Advisory Board
  • Local Housing Options Team (LHOT)
• Commonwealth oversight by PA Departments of
  • Community and Economic Development
  • Education
  • Human Services
• Federal oversight by the U.S. Department of
  • Housing and Urban Development

Annual Plans and Budgets