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A SUBSTANTIAL NEED
The Allegheny Y represents 20% of all SRO (Single Room Occupancy) units in Allegheny County, 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. 

• 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

SHARED HISTORY – SHARED COMMUNITY
Dedicated in 1927, the Allegheny YMCA at 600 West North Avenue featured a modern gymnasium, pool, bowling allies, 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, summer day camp, and CrossFit studio. 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 walk-able commercial corridor.

A CATALYTIC PROJECT
This project entails the renovation and update of all common spaces, the kitchen, fitness facilities including the wellness floor, pool area and locker rooms, and meeting rooms.  96 single room occupancy (SRO) units will be renovated on the 3rd, 4th and 5th floors with a new configuration that replaces shared bathrooms with private facilities and provides a much-needed community room for the residents. Rooms and corridor renovations will include flooring, painting and ceilings. Additional work will include replacement of mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems and installation of a sprinkler system. Air-conditioning and new elevators will be added. The renovations will use high quality, environmentally friendly materials. The SRO units will be designed with thoughtful floor plans and natural light. This renovation ensures that the entire building is fully ADA assessable. 

Other important amenities for the residents of the Allegheny Y include access to the wellness facility and swimming pool, daily NA and AA group meetings within walking distance, access to local feeding programs and a small community garden providing fresh produce.