ENGAGEMENT CENTER
The Engagement Center, located at 700 Second Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh, is a place for adults to find shelter and services that lead to housing…and where they can come inside, socialize and “just be.” From its start in 2022, the Center has aimed to lower the barriers that discouraged or prevented people from coming indoors to find a place to rest or get assistance.
In July 2026, Allegheny County Department of Human Services (AC-DHS) began operating the Engagement Center as a central hub in the homeless system. The Center is committed to treating people with respect, kindness and an understanding of the trauma they have experienced and the knowledge that people can move ahead if they have good support and the opportunity to work on a plan together.
Come as you are…
Come alone or with your partner…
Come with your pet*…
People We Serve
- Adults 18+ years*
- Persons who self-identify as women or men
- Members of the LGBTQ+ communities.
- Couples
- People with partners.
- People with pets.ǂ
*Persons under the age of 18 will be referred to providers who serve youth experiencing homelessness.
ǂ Dogs and cats, one per person. View our pet policy.
Engagement Center Location
Engagement Center at Second Avenue Commons
700 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Engagement Center Hours
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
All 7 days of the week
Contact Us
Phone: 412-775-9001
Email: info@secondavenuecommons.org
Engagement Center policies
Policies are summarized below. Complete policies are published in the handbook distributed to Shelter guests.
Safety policy
- Guests will sign-in at entry and exit.
- Guests will wear a Shelter-issued ID badge.
- For the safety of guests and staff, drugs, alcohol, paraphernalia, and weapons are not permitted in the shelter beyond the amnesty lockers.
- Household chemicals, extension cords, power strips, cooking supplies, and stuffed animals are not permitted.
COVID-19 Protocols
Shelter guests will:
- Be tested for COVID-19 according to guidance from the Allegheny County Health Department.
- Self-report COVID-19 symptoms to Shelter staff.
- Follow Allegheny County Health Department, Pittsburgh Mercy, and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidance for wearing masks, physical distance, COVID-19 testing, isolation, and quarantine.
PETS
- Dogs and cats are welcome. One per person. For the safety of Shelter guests and staff, wild, exotic, feral, and/or poisonous animals are not permitted.
- Pets must be bathed by the pet owner upon entry.
- Pet owners are responsible for pets and pet care. Shelter guests will care for, supervise, and manage their pets at all times while in the Shelter.
- Pets must be up to date with vaccinations. Unvaccinated pets (or whose vaccination status is unknown) will be quarantined, kept with their owner, and crated until after vaccination.
- For the safety of guests and colleagues, pets must be pest-free, collared, leashed, or crated. When on the premises and not crated, pets must be muzzled.
- Pets must be crated while their owner is sleeping.
- Water, food, bowls, bathing supplies, flea and tick collars, collars, leashes, crates, pet waste bags, and litter boxes will be provided.
700 Second Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15219
412-775-9001
info@secondavenuecommons.org
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