Winter Shelter

In partnership with Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Pittsburgh Mercy operates a Winter Shelter for men and women who are experiencing homelessness.

Winter Shelter Location

Smithfield United Church of Christ
620 Smithfield Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2506 (Downtown)

412-689-6565

The location is the same for men and women.

Hours of Operation

Nov. 15, 2019 through March 15, 2020*
7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

NOTE: Between March 16 and March 31, 2020, the Winter Shelter will open if the average night temperature is 25 degrees Fahrenheit or less or if dangerous/inclement weather, such as heavy snowfall, ice, or freezing rain, is predicted. After March 31, 2020, the Winter Shelter will officially close for the 2019-2020 season.

Directions to Smithfield United Church of Christ

Smithfiled United Church of Christ Map

Winter Shelter Services

  • A warm, dry place to sleep
  • A hot meal served nightly
  • Basic health care
  • Benefits and service coordination
  • Care management services
  • Housing assistance
  • Shower and laundry facilities
  • Winter clothing
  • Information and referrals to essential human services.

Thank You to Our Funders

Funding for the Winter Shelter is made possible by:

  • Allegheny County Department of Human Services
  • Allegheny County Economic Development Emergency Solutions Grant
  • Pittsburgh Mercy’s Operation Safety Net.

How You Can Help

We can’t do what we do without wonderful volunteers and donors like you!

Meals, Meal Preparers & Servers

  • Shelter meals are coordinated by Pittsburgh Mercy.
  • Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve hearty, nutritious meals for 150-180 people. We welcome and encourage participation by faith communities, civic and social organizations, restaurants, and other groups, as well as individuals. Volunteers can prepare a one-time meal or become a recurring meal provider.
  • Meals must consist of a protein, a starch, and a vegetable. Cold cuts and thin soups are not nutritiously sufficient. Chili and stews with accompanying sides (e.g., salad, bread or cornbread, fixings, etc.) are accepted and appreciated.
  • Meals should arrive hot and ready to serve. We do not have the equipment to reheat food.
  • Meals should be delivered to Smithfield United Church of Christ between 6:45 and 7 p.m. Enter the church through the small door to the left of the main entrance. Note: There are two flights of stairs between the entrance and the basement.
  • If your group or organization would like to prepare and deliver a meal, please contact Brian Matous at BMatous@pittsburghmercy.org or 412-689-6565 to schedule.
  • If you are able to prepare a meal but cannot deliver it, please call Brian Matous at 412-689-6565.
  • If you prefer to help underwrite the cost of a meal, please make a donation or contact Pittsburgh Mercy’s Development Office at 724-934-3537. The cost to underwrite a meal is approximately $500; however, donations in any amount are always appreciated. Please indicate that you would like your donation to benefit the Winter Shelter.

In-Kind Donations

The Winter Shelter gratefully accepts in-kind donations by appointment. The items we most need include new:

  • Hats
  • Scarves
  • Gloves
  • Boots (men’s and women’s, all sizes)
  • Socks
  • Winter coats (men’s and women’s, especially sizes 1X-3X)
  • Toiletries
  • Personal hygiene items.

Please do not bring items directly to the shelter. Please contact us at 412-232-5739, ext. 2 to make arrangements.

Volunteers

Clinical and non-clinical volunteers are needed. If you’d like to volunteer your time or offer services at the Winter Shelter, please contact Brian Matous at BMatous@pittsburghmercy.org or 412-689-6565.

Learn more about how you can help.

For more information about the Winter Shelter, contact us or call 1-877-637-2924.

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