PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County and Pittsburgh officials came together Monday to celebrate a step forward in solving the city’s homelessness issues.
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato and Mayor Ed Gainey say there are no more encampments Downtown after people living along the Eliza Furnace Trail have transitioned into more stable housing.
They credit the progress to the 500 in 500 initiative, which aimed to identify 500 affordable housing units in 500 days. So far, 191 units have been created, permanently housing 278 people. There are also 50 more units in the pipeline.
“What once seemed like an insurmountable issue, the issue of the unsheltered, homeless, was met with real solutions, was met with dignity, was met with respect. It was met with the way we should treat all people,” Mayor Gainey said.
Over the last several months, individuals living along the Eliza Furnace Trail were connected with resources through the 500 in 500 initiative and provided with individualized housing plans and services. It’s similar to what happened to people living by the Three Rivers Heritage Trail before it closed to camping in December.
Officials say getting people into permanent housing also helps the flow of the shelter system, which expanded by more than 200 beds this winter.
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