How You Can Help

Pittsburgh Mercy’s Operation Safety Net® receives essential funding as well as from numerous grants from the government, foundations, corporations, faith communities, schools, civic groups, and individuals. We’re grateful for every gift.

We’re often asked, “What can I do to help?” There are many ways you can support Pittsburgh Mercy’s Operation Safety Net. Every gift helps those who are experiencing homelessness in our community.

Monetary Donations

If you would like to make a monetary donation in support of our work, please visit our Give page, our online donation page, or contact our Development Office at 412-697-0730.

If you prefer to mail a donation, please make check payable to Pittsburgh Mercy and mail to:

Pittsburgh Mercy Development Office
1200 Reedsdale Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2109.

Please write “Pittsburgh Mercy’s Operation Safety Net” in the check memo blank.

The Way Home

We’ve helped more than 1,500 people who were once homeless to find and transition into homes of their own. Given our success, we’ve created The Way Home, a new program dedicated to that mission.

The Way Home focuses on finding homes and providing important follow-up services to 200 persons in Allegheny County who are experiencing homelessness. With a fundraising goal of $500,000, The Way Home can go a long way in helping to solve a social problem that affects many in our community.

It’s our hope that individuals, organizations, corporations, schools, and faith communities will join in our efforts and help raise $2,600 to transition an individual into housing. With your help, these individuals can find not only a home, but also safety, security, hope, and a productive place in our community.

For more information about The Way Home or to get involved, please contact our Development Office at 412-697-0730.

Thank you, in advance, for partnering with us to help these individuals to find The Way Home.

Winter Overflow Shelter

Learn about ways you can support our Winter Overflow Shelter.

Other Ways You Can Help: In-Kind Donations

Make A House A Home

When you moved into your first home, you likely needed many items to help make your house a home. To help individuals who are transitioning from the streets into homes of their own, we welcome your donations of new household items. Many of these items will fit neatly into a laundry basket. Unless otherwise noted, items should be new.

  • Bathmat
  • Blanket (full and queen sizes)
  • Broom and dustpan
  • Can opener (manual)
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Comforter (full and queen sizes)
  • Cooking utensils
  • Dish cloths
  • Dish towels
  • Dish soap
  • Dishes
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Lamps
  • Laundry basket
  • Laundry detergent
  • Lightbulbs
  • Mop and bucket
  • Paper towels
  • Pillows
  • Pot holders
  • Pots and pans
  • Sheet sets (flat and fitted sets in full and queen sizes)
  • Shower curtain and hooks
  • Shower soap and cleanser
  • Silverware
  • Tissues
  • Toilet tissue
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Trash can and trash can liners (kitchen size)

We regret that we cannot accept furniture, appliances, or pick up items that you donate.

We gladly accept donations by appointment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 412-232-5739.

Thank you, in advance, for partnering with us to help Make A House a Home.

Life’s Basic Necessities

Individuals, schools, faith communities, and civic groups who are interested in helping people who are experiencing homelessness can collect some of life’s basic necessities. We distribute these items to individuals we see on street rounds, on our Mobile Medical Unit, at Wellspring Drop-In Center, and at the Winter Shelter. Unless otherwise noted, items should be new.

  • Adhesive bandages
  • Backpacks (new and gently used)
  • Blankets (twin, twin XL, and full sizes)
  • Boots (men’s and women’s sizes)
  • Bottled water
  • Disposable razors with plastic handles
  • Feminine hygiene items
  • Gift cards to local grocery stores, discount department stores, and shoe stores
  • Gloves
  • Hats
  • Mittens
  • Scarves
  • Sleeping bags
  • Socks (100% cotton, white, above-the-ankle socks in all sizes, men’s socks are preferred)
  • Tarps
  • Tents
  • Toothbrushes
  • Tote bags (new and gently used)
  • Travel size soap, shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirant/deodorant, shaving cream, and other toiletries
  • T-shirts (all sizes, but especially men’s L, XL, and 2XL)
  • Underwear (all sizes, but especially men’s L, XL, and 2XL)
  • Winter coats (men’s and women’s sizes).

We regret that we cannot pick up items that you donate.

We gladly accept donations by appointment at Pittsburgh Mercy’s Wellspring Drop-In Center, our day program. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 412-232-5739.

Thank you, in advance, for your assistance.

Back to Top