efficiencies and service outcomes for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and behavioral health needs. It establishes connections with existing services to promote the integration and enhancement of individual and system outcomes. Rather than replacing existing services, PA START Allegheny fosters improved outcomes through close collaboration with participants and their caregivers. The PA START Allegheny program is a strength-based, evidence-informed behavioral practice and person-centered approach to treatment. Keeping Unhoused People Safe in Winter Allegheny County DHS, in close partnership with the City of Pittsburgh and service provider partners, urgently worked to keep unhoused people safe through the following efforts: • Targeted Street Outreach: Many unhoused individuals refrain from seeking assistances due to feeling disconnected or alienated from mainstream services and supports. In 2023, Allegheny County DHS partnered with Bridge to the Mountains to provide person-centered, harm reduction-focused street outreach aimed at facilitating connections to resources including, but not limited to, housing, medical care, behavioral health, benefits, and employment opportunities. • Increased shelter capacity: By December 31, 2023, Allegheny County had a total of 572 year-round accessible and/or overflow shelter beds for single individuals experiencing homelessness. This is an increase from 527 beds on January 1, 2023,
and a significant rise from 232 beds in 2021. • Expanded Operating Hours at the Unity Recovery Drop-In Center: The Unity Recovery drop-in center now operates 24/7, offering showers, resting areas, connection to resources, housing navigation, peer services, and various activities. • Special Measures for Extreme Weather: DHS activates the Code Blue Severe Weather Emergency Shelter when the air temperature, according to the National Weather Service forecast, is expected to fall below 26°F between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Additionally, the plan may be enacted if the City of Pittsburgh Office of Emergency Management activates the Emergency Operations Center in response to severe weather conditions. During a Code Blue event, individuals who arrive at Second Avenue Commons, Downtown, are transported, as needed, to shelters with available capacity throughout the City. In addition to expanding the immediate supports systems for unhoused individuals outlined above, DHS will further increase investments throughout 2024 to divert people from homelessness whenever possible and to help people transition out of shelters quickly. Efforts to Increase Community and Stakeholder Engagement DHS aims to engage communities and stakeholders, including those most impacted by human services, to gather input and feedback. Some of the engagement efforts this year included:
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