Allegheny County Offers Shelters For Winter Emergencies

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Community Services and Pittsburgh Mercy Health System’s Operation Safety Net® will again operate the Severe Weather Emergency Shelter (SWES) this winter for the safety of people who are street homeless.

Located at the Smithfield United Church of Christ, 620 Smithfield Street, Downtown, the shelter provides temporary, overnight accommodations, professional social services, medical care, and protection from frigid temperatures to people who typically do not use other existing shelter resources during periods of severe winter weather.

The SWES will operate from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., November 15, 2014 through March 15, 2015, when the temperature drops to 25 degrees Fahrenheit or below, or when dangerous winter weather exists or is predicted by the National Weather Service. As in previous years, additional nights will be added, as needed. Persons served and referring organizations can find out if the SWES is activated on a given evening by calling 412.779.1329. The message is updated by noon each day. This phone line is not staffed; therefore, messages should not be left at this number.

Monetary donations in support of the Severe Weather Emergency Shelter are welcome. Donations may be made online at www.pmhs.org or mailed to Pittsburgh Mercy Health System’s Development Office, 101 Bradford Road, Suite 320, Wexford, PA 15090. Please make checks payable to Pittsburgh Mercy Health System and specify that the gift is intended for Operation Safety Net’s Severe Weather Emergency Shelter (SWES). To make a donation by telephone, contact Connie Murray, executive director, Pittsburgh Mercy Health System Development, at 724.934.3537 or CMurray@pmhs.org.