HERE FOR THOSE IN NEED

• 84 men residing in single rooms with access to shared bathrooms and gang showers
• Average age of the residents is 54
• 50% of residents are African American, 37% White, 3% Hispanic, 1% Asian and 1% Unknown
• 64% are working, most in low paying service industry jobs
• 18% are individuals with disabilities
• 79% of the residents make less than 50% of median income while 21% make less than 80%
• 10% of the men have proudly served their country
• 11% have a mental health diagnosis
• Many have a prior conviction and therefore don’t qualify for Section 8 Housing

A SUBSTANTIAL NEED

The Allegheny Y represents 20% of all SRO (Single Room Occupancy) units in Pittsburgh, but it is now in desperate need of renovation. 21 rooms are uninhabitable due to water damage, the shared bathrooms provide no privacy and are in significant disrepair. There is no cooling in the summer, none of the building is ADA accessible, the elevator was decommissioned several years ago and the kitchen requires significant updates.

Despite its limitations, the Allegheny Y provides a community where each man is welcomed and a staff member connects them to the appropriate health and human/social services so they can chart a path forward. Additionally, the proximity to downtown and public transportation make the location both affordable and convenient.

The renovation and adaptive reuse of this historic property supports the One Northside plan to ensure that all residents have access to quality, affordable housing.

SHARED HISTORY – SHARED COMMUNITY

Dedicated in 1927, the Allegheny YMCA at 600 West North Avenue featured a modern gymnasium, pool, bowling alleys,
residence, cafeteria, and club rooms. At that time the Y’s primary function was to provide programming to boys from
grade school to high school as well as working young men. Through the years, the YMCA expanded its services to more
directly meet the evolving needs of the North Side community.

Currently, the Y offers a state-of-the-art cardio/wellness room, strength training room, group exercise, cycling studio,
after-school programming, and summer day camp. The total membership (pre-pandemic) was 2,600 individuals.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME

In keeping with our tradition of providing low-income housing to single men, the Allegheny Y continues to lease single
rooms for $95/week, rooms the men call home.

For 95 years, the building and its residents have lived in harmony with the Northside Community. During the height of
the pandemic, neighbors rallied to ensure the men were clothed, fed, and entertained. A generous community also
ensured all rents were paid.

Affordable housing continues to be a pressing issue for many on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Over the last decade,
revitalization of the Central Northside has taken hold and housing in the lower Northside and Mexican War Streets area
has become increasingly unaffordable. The result has been the displacement of residents, many of whom are considered
the working poor. This project supports the ongoing development of the area while providing affordable housing in an
ideal location with excellent access to major employment centers, transit routes, and a walkable commercial corridor.

PROJECT LEADERSHIP

Amy Kienle, President & CEO
Michael A. Polite, Chair, YMCA Board of Directors
Erin Tobin, Chair, Allegheny YMCA Advisory Board
Greg Supianoski, Chief Experience Officer
Bruce Berringer, Executive Director, Allegheny YMCA