Welcome to Second Avenue Commons.
A place where those experiencing homelessness can find the help they need. A collaboration of four entities – Pittsburgh Mercy, UPMC, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, and Second Avenue Commons Inc. – have come together to serve those who are without permanent, stable housing.
Here you will find shelter access for adults and their partners, pets, possessions, an engagement center, supportive case managers, and healthcare.
I NEED…
A Place to stay
Year-round Emergency Shelter and Seasonal Winter Shelter
Medical Services
UPMC Clinic Care
Engagement Center
Support and Services
our goal is simple.
Provide a safe, supportive environment for adults experiencing homelessness to connect to the resources they need to move toward permanent housing.
What does Second Avenue Commons Offer?
24/7 Access Shelter
92 beds in group sleeping rooms with dedicated personal hygiene facilities, space for pets, laundry, meals, and storage facility. Additional space to accommodate 40 people during winter months.
Engagement Center
A warm, welcoming environment that encourages individuals to become more deeply connected to available supports and services and provides a hygiene center, mail pick-up, and laundry facilities.
On-site UPMC Clinic
Physical and behavioral health services including drug and alcohol support.
Central Location
An easy-to-access hub in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, conveniently located near several major bus lines.
Common Questions
View Our Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where is the commons located?
A: The Commons is located at 700 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
Q: Who is the shelter designed for?
A: The Commons serves anyone over the age of 18 in need of shelter. Partners may stay together, dogs and cats are welcome, and possessions may be stored in the facility’s secure storage units.
Q: Who is the shelter NOT designed for?
A: The Commons is not suitable for families. Households with children should get in touch with Allegheny Link to connect to more appropriate services.
Q: What services does The Commons offer?
A: We offer 24/7 everyday access to our shelter, Engagement Center, UPMC clinic, and private, permanent housing. There are diversion services, housing-focused case management, collaboration with DHS’ Coordinated Entry System, and meal services. Wi-fi, laundry and other amenities are available here.
Community Bridge
Community Bridge is a 20-bed, single occupancy bridge housing program on the 4th floor of the building operated by Community Human Services. Potential participants must be single individuals experiencing homelessness or facing an extreme risk of homelessness and have either a behavioral health diagnosis or involvement in the criminal justice system. Participants will work toward stable housing. All referrals are processed through DHS’s coordinated entry team.
Providers looking for more information about the program can contact info@chscorp.org.
Brighter Dawn:
Brighter Dawn is a 20 SRO Permanent Supportive Housing program. We are securely located on the 5th floor of Second Avenue Commons and are operated by Neighborhood Living Programs of UPMC Western Psychiatric (NLP). Referrals for Brighter Dawn can only be made through the Coordinated Entry/Allegheny Link system. All applicants must be single adults ages 18 or older and meet HUD’s definition of literally homeless at the time of referral and other eligibility criteria as outlined by Allegheny Link intake staff.
The Brighter Dawn program features 20 SRO style units with 24/7 staff support available on site for participants. Additional services available on site on an as-needed basis include Case Management, BH Clinic rotations, SUD Specialists, and Outreach Nurse. Program supports progress on stabilizing life domains with emphasis on movement toward greater residential independence.
Q: How many beds are offered at The Commons?
A: We offer 95 beds, with space to add 40 additional beds during cold weather months.
Q:What is the UPMC Clinic?
A: The UPMC Health Center is staffed by UPMC with physical and behavioral health services.
Q: What are the single occupancy rooms?
A: SRO Units are currently unavailable. More information will be available in the future.
Q: What is the Engagement Center?
A: The Engagement Center is where people can sit down and rest, with showers, laundry facilities, charging stations, coffee, computers, and Wi-Fi. In addition, people can connect with staff that will help with goals like being housed, getting insurance and identification and being navigated to other needed services.
Q: When can I use the facilities?
A: The Shelter is 24/7. The Medical Clinic is open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. The Engagement Center is open daily from 7am to 7pm.
Q: Is the Commons ever closed?
A: The facility is open to Shelter and SRO residents 24/7 every day of the year.
Q: Can my partner come with me to the Commons?
A: Couples are always welcome to stay together in the bed or private room that is best for them, provided it is available.
Q: Can I bring my pet?
A: Dog and cats are welcome to stay with their owners. View our Pet Policy.
700 Second Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15219
412-775-9001
info@secondavenuecommons.org
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