Community Human Services

Community Human Services (CHS) empowers individuals and families to live in stable housing, connect to community resources, build relationships, and access quality food.

At Community Human Services, we believe that everyone has value. It is a simple belief, yet one that has stayed with us since 1970, when a small group in South Oakland formed CHS. They created programs that recognized the importance of having a strong relationship with your community and with each other. No matter the race, cultural background, gender identity, language, religion, or disability, our programs provide access to basic needs and services- we consider a basic human right- no matter how many times they have been turned away, silenced, or overlooked.

We operate programming based on Harm Reduction and Housing First principles. Our 110-member team at CHS is pragmatic in responding to the constant changes in social, economic, and political climates that impact the health, home, hunger, and happiness of the people we serve. Our team works with passionate persistence to address the drastic and growing macro symptoms of poverty, injustice, and inequity hindering our community and its members in Allegheny County.

How we impact Pittsburgh today is divided into three collaborative departments: Housing, Shelter, and Residential and Community Programs. Our goal is to help individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis, access and navigate through many programs including short and long-term options. The organization's services include the operation of shelters, housing case management and location, rapid and permanent low-income housing and residential programs, community drop-in centers and programs, mental health services, and food accessibility.

Community Human Service's overarching goal is to work to prevent homelessness and hunger. A variety of housing assistance services are provided to people on the verge of homelessness, including emergency rental or utility assistance, legal services, and assistance in areas outside of housing. We work with agency partners and community resources to ensure our clients have a successful outcome.