Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

It is quite literally the perfect time to tell you about the Family Links coat drive as we prepare for the most frigid night of the year since February.  

They are accepting donations of coats and ‘winter gear’ including hats, gloves, scarves, etc. There is the greatest need for youth ages 13-21 so a range of sizes from XL youth to 4X and beyond. Items are distributed to the Downtown drop-in center as well as the shelter in McKeesport.  NO clothing please.  If you have specific questions, the number is below.

Coats can be taken to the main office where they will be sorted and directed to the appropriate location.

401 North Highland Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412.343.7166.

Familylinks has a range of programs

All of our sites have signage designating them as Safe Place for all. It is important that we support community groups and organizations that serve our community with dignity and respect.

Programs

Adolescent Semi-Independent Living (ASIL)

ASIL provides supervised apartment living for youth aged 16 to 21 years, with a focus on vocational, educational and life skills development for successful independent living and transition to adulthood. ASIL clients are youth who have been referred by Children, Youth and Families or the court system.

Community Housing Program

The Community Housing Program provides housing and case management services to homeless individuals and families with identified disabilities in Allegheny County. Consumers are housed in scattered site apartments throughout Allegheny County.

Downtown Outreach Center & Shelter (DOCS)

DOCS provides comprehensive emergency shelter and outreach services to homeless and at-risk youth ages 18 to 24 for up to 60 days. DOCS staff work with each youth to ensure that their medical, behavioral health and basic needs are addressed. Additionally, DOCS helps the youths obtain secondary or post-secondary education and/or employment, so that the youth can transition successfully to adulthood.

Residential Enhancement Services, Planning Opportunities for New Directions(RESPOND)

RESPOND, in collaboration with UPMC-Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, provides comprehensive mental health residential services to youth who are dually diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and mental illness and who utilize three or more service systems.

Street Outreach Program

Familylinks’ Street Outreach Program sends trained outreach workers to build relationships with runaway, homeless and street youth, with the ultimate goal of encouraging them to utilize shelter facilities and obtain life-skills training. Street Outreach Workers work with Youth Support Partners (young people who have experienced homelessness in the past) to supply youth in need with basic medical care and connections to services. Street Outreach works in collaboration with the National Safe Place Network.

Transitional Living Program (TLP)

TLP provides supervised apartment-style living for youth age 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk for being homeless. Youth learn life skills, get assistance finding employment and long-term housing, and are provided with meals and transportation during a stay of up to 21 months.

Youth Emergency Shelter Services (YESS)

Familylinks’ YESS program offers temporary emergency shelter group care for at-risk youth, age 13 to 21 years, who are referred by Allegheny County Children, Youth and Families and surrounding counties, Juvenile Court or other sources. YESS focuses on safety, comprehensive assessment, education, service planning and family reunification.