A Housing First Safe Haven Model

After experiencing entrenched homelessness and living outside in "back woods" for nearly 25 years, Paul K appreciates his new living space.

What defines a Housing First program? For Trail Lane Apartments in Pittsburgh, PA it is defined as low-demand housing where residents who have a chronic history of unsheltered homelessness as well as resistance to services can find a place to call home. Residents at the complex are referred by Operation Safety Net street outreach teams, the Severe Weather Emergency Shelter, Wellspring Drop-In Center and other area homeless service providers. Consistent with the housing first philosophy, Trail Lane residents go directly from living on the street into housing. Operation Safety Net case managers then link the residents to services that improve quality of life and promote successful integration into the community.

Amenities at Trail Lanes include private one-bedroom apartments, communal living and dining rooms, hot meals served twice daily, on-site case management services and on-site staff 24/7. It is one of Operation Safety Net's newest homeless service initiatives.

The apartments were made possible by a $1.6 million HUD Continuum of Care program grant and a $351,500 grant from McAuley Ministries. Operation Safety Net has gained an international reputation in street outreach and intervention with the homeless. It and McAuley Ministries are part of the Pittsburgh Mercy Health System and Catholic Health East, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy.

Many other community stakeholders have also contributed to the success of Trail Lanes. Global Links donated furniture. Springboard Kitchens provides lunches and dinners to residents.  Staff and students from Immaculate Conception School donated handmade quilts to each resident. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank provides paper products, cleaning supplies and other non-perishable items. Trail Lanes represents community collaboration at its best.

###