The site offers a shelter for adults that will operate year-round and is designed to be low barrier— a welcoming place where all people, particularly those who are most marginalized, can be comfortable, feel valued and easily access supports on their own terms. In alignment with this philosophy, the Commons allows for pets to stay with their owners and couples to stay together; clients and visitors will never be asked to leave unless they pose a safety threat to themselves or others; and all staff are trained in de- escalation, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction principles. In addition to shelter, the site also offers wrap-around services to address the complex issues confronting people experiencing homelessness, including physical and behavioral health and unemployment. Services and functions of the facility include the following key components: • Client services, including care for shelter, drop-in and single-room occupancy populations. • The case management team will assess the needs and navigate to appropriate resources and supportive services, including a small clinic for physical and behavioral health services as well as alcohol and other drug treatment programs. • Engagement Center with personal hygiene facilities, laundry, and support services including housing navigation for individuals experiencing homelessness, but who are not necessarily staying at the facility. • 95 beds in group sleeping rooms with dedicated personal hygiene facilities, living room and locker storage. • 30 overflow beds for the cold weather shelter. • 43 single-room occupancy units to facilitate transition to independent housing. • Mail services, important to those without a permanent address and adequate quiet room and support space, workstations and kitchenette for the staff serving this facility.
INNOVATIVE PREVENTION AND CRISIS RESPONSE PROGRAMS Allegheny County DHS advanced several new initiatives aimed at preventing crises and the overuse of coercive services. For example, DHS undertook competitive selection processes for providers of: 1) Juvenile justice diversion program: To reduce the number of citations, arrests and referrals to the juvenile justice system and instead link youth with needed services and supports, DHS awarded a contract to Gwen’s Girls for launching a new, countywide pre-citation and pre-arrest diversion initiative. This work is expected to reduce the rate of racial disparity seen in juvenile justice referrals and advance a culture of restorative justice within schools and community law enforcement by offering an alternative to citation and arrest.
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