Firefighters work on the roof of the Second Avenue Commons homeless shelter in Pittsburgh during a fire there June 4. Pittsburgh Mercy is temporarily housing people who were displaced by the fire. A temporary shelter set up in a gymnasium by Pittsburgh
Mercy is open to people displaced by a fire at a homeless shelter. In addition to bunk beds, those staying in the gym have access to restrooms, showers, meals, laundry and other services.
Pittsburgh Mercy is providing temporary emergency shelter for up to 100 people displaced by a fire at a homeless shelter in downtown Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Mercy is the emergency shelter, overflow shelter, and engagement center provider for Second Avenue Commons, which was damaged by the June 4 fire.
Fire officials told the media that the damage appeared to come from an overheated air conditioning unit on the roof and that the level of damage varied throughout the building.
Those displaced had been staying at a temporary emergency shelter at a convention center. On June 15 Pittsburgh Mercy invited them to move on a longer-term basis to a 4,620-square-foot gymnasium at Pittsburgh Mercy in downtown Pittsburgh. There, they
have access to restrooms, showers, bunk beds, meals, laundry and other services.
Beltran
"Pittsburgh Mercy has served people who are experiencing homelessness for over 70 years. This most vulnerable population needs our help now more than ever," Tony Beltran, president and CEO of Pittsburgh Mercy, a member of Trinity Health, said in a statement.
"In keeping with the traditions of our founding Sisters of Mercy, we rise, we help, and we give hope to the most vulnerable in times of greatest need."
Pittsburgh Mercy is one of the largest community health and social service providers and employers in southwestern Pennsylvania, helping 18,000 people in more than 60 locations.
To make a monetary donation to help, visit donate.pittsburghmercy.org/secondavenuecommons.