Pittsburgh activates emergency warming centers; community partners report 31 people sheltered

On March 11, 2025, Pittsburgh Mayor Don McNaney and local partners told the city commission that the city activated emergency warming centers at two locations during January and February extreme-cold periods, sheltering 31 people aged 18 and older.

The announcement came during the commission meeting's recognitions segment, where Pittsburgh Positive and partner organizations were invited to describe the emergency response. The organizers said the centers responded to days when temperatures dropped below 20 degrees Fahrenheit and provided a staffed place for residents who lacked heat at home or were experiencing homelessness.

Kim, a Pittsburgh Positive organizer, said, “The city alongside multiple community partners activated an emergency warming center in two different locations during the January and February days where it was below 20 and very frigid. We provided a shelter during all those extreme temperatures.” The organizers said the two sites used were the Homer Cole Center and Meadowside Baptist Church.

Speakers credited a mix of city departments, nonprofit partners and volunteers for staffing and supplies. The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas provided coordination and listed staff members Becky Gray, Leah Gagnon, Kelly Pulliman, Amy Hagen and Missy Jennings as contributors. Wesley House, Crawford County Community Mental Health (represented in remarks by Jason Southern), Code 3 Security (Tasha McDonald and Roger Robinson) and local congregations and donors also were cited.

Commissioners noted the commission had previously set aside a small amount of funding to pay for professional security if needed. Organizers named additional in-kind donations including coats, meals, sleeping bags, blankets and other supplies from groups such as US Awards, Lord’s Diner, Salvation Army and Broadway Lumber.

Mayor Don McNaney read a proclamation recognizing Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and turned to the warming-center participants to acknowledge the community response. Organizers said the effort was a short-term emergency measure tied to the January–February cold spells and described it as a coordinated community effort rather than a change in long-term shelter policy.

City officials did not announce any new ongoing funding commitments at the meeting; organizers and commissioners said the emergency activations were made possible by existing partnerships, community donations and limited city funds already set aside for security and support.