County Eyes Bigelow Blvd. Building for Shelter
Allegheny County's Department of Human Services has proposed turning a former Polish Hill event space into a year-round overflow shelter.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Allegheny County Department of Human Services wants to convert a six-story building on Bigelow Boulevard, listed for sale at $1.5 million, into a year-round overflow shelter. The proposal would serve 80 to 100 people and up to 150 during severe weather.
Why it matters
The plan would bring a shelter to a high-speed highway corridor in the Polish Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, a location that is drawing public scrutiny at a hearing process that is still underway. Another public hearing on the proposal is expected November 12.
The county's proposal lists a $1.5 million asking price for the six-story building, with capacity projected at 80 to 100 people year-round and up to 150 during severe weather. Three floors would be used for storage and three for housing services, and the final decision is still pending.
The players
Allegheny County Department of Human Services
The county agency responsible for social services programs, including the proposed overflow shelter on Bigelow Boulevard.
The details
The former event space on Bigelow Boulevard is being considered by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services as a potential overnight shelter, with the building currently on the market according to a Zillow listing. Officials have not yet finalized the purchase or the operating plan.
Timeline
November 6: The county's proposal was made public.
November 12: Another public hearing on the proposal is expected.
Philanthropy Landscape
The county's effort to convert a commercial building into a year-round overflow shelter follows its broader overflow shelter planning through the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. The proposal reflects how public agencies are increasingly looking to repurpose existing commercial space to expand shelter capacity.
Residents near Bigelow Boulevard would see a year-round shelter in their area if the county proceeds, with up to 150 people served during severe weather. The county's plan to use three floors for storage and three for housing services would shape day-to-day activity at the site.
The takeaway
The proposal shows how the county is weighing a specific commercial building against the need for expanded shelter capacity. Residents can follow the November 12 hearing to see how the decision develops.
What happens next
A public hearing on the proposal is expected on November 12.
Further reading
For related context on charitable and social-service funding in the region, explore Philanthropy coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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