‘Humane' approaches to encampments central to Pittsburgh clean-up success

Even as Pittsburgh rolls out a lean budget challenged by decreased revenue and increased costs, the city has found reason to celebrate alongside Gov. Josh Shapiro.

The administration joined local leaders to mark the progress made through strategic investments, most notably a 93% reduction in homeless encampments in the city.

Shapiro said the state increased a $62 million state investment nearly tenfold to draw in $600 million in development. The number represents funding from the federal and local governments as well as private investors. The money has gone toward housing units, improvements to Market Square and Point State Park, and to fund arts and culture.

The city has also devoted time and money to public safety by expanding police presence and launching the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Clean Team to keep the streets free of debris and graffiti. Other initiatives include an outreach team trained to assist unhoused individuals and panhandlers and a hospitality team to engage visitors and the public.

The teams highlight the “humane” approach favored by the city’s progressive leadership including Mayor Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Executive Sarah Innamorato.

“This city is showing it can be both safe and compassionate when government, business, and nonprofit leaders come together. We’re moving people off the streets into housing, strengthening public safety, and ensuring critical resources—like the new public safety center downtown—are in place,” said Gainey. “This is what happens when the private sector, public sector, and community organizations work together: we build a city for all.”

Clearing encampments has been a big undertaking with a focus on individualized approaches to the needs of the homeless. Pittsburgh’s Department of Human Services works with outreach teams, police, and others to respond when new tents pop up, then assess needs and work with individuals to obtain secure housing. The initiative has seen success with 97% of families and 98% of single adults served staying off the streets.

“At our highest, there were up to 150 tents along our downtown and riverfronts, and today there's nearly none, and we have infrastructure to support people when those tents do pop up,” said DHS Director Dalton. “It may take some time, but people often are then willing to take our help and come inside.”

Dalton emphasized that the violence the city had been seeing in encampments was primarily directed toward the homeless people living there from those passing through.

Motivation to clear the encampments goes beyond altruism. Officials have the upcoming NFL draft and other major tourism opportunities like America250 celebrations in mind when envisioning a more appealing downtown.

“We are positioned to be a dynamic hub for economic growth, innovation, culture, and tourism,” said Sen. Wayne Fontana, D-Pittsburgh. “We're seeing this, starting with the investment in the cleaner streets that have been talked about — fewer encampments and certainly public safety investments.”

Public safety investments are twofold, with Commander Timothy Novosel of the Pittsburgh Police celebrating the increase from nine officers to 22 plus two detectives, but he emphasized continued investment was critical.

On the other hand, David celebrated programs like the local Boys and Girls Club which his Commission on Crime and Delinquency supports in violence prevention efforts.

“These programs are essential for making our communities safer,” said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. “And maybe you can't see their impact when you're walking around downtown Pittsburgh, but you need to know that they're really an important part of the solution to the problem of community violence here in Pittsburgh and across this commonwealth.”

In attendance at the event was the Democratic candidate and likely expected winner of the upcoming mayoral race, Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor. O’Connor emphasized business investments and zoning reform in his primary campaign.

“Pittsburgh’s success shows what happens when we bring everyone to the table — state, city, county, businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders — and focus on delivering real results,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro. “Because we came together, Pittsburgh is already cleaner and safer, with more opportunity for all.”