Results: Over the last 30 years, Bethlehem Haven in collaboration with our partners has:
• Provided shelter to thousands of homeless women for over 10,000 consecutive nights.
• Engaged hundreds of patients in mental health care through the 902 Clinic.
• Provided vocational services through Project Employ to nearly 500 men and women.
• Opened SOAR (Safe Oasis and Residence) as the first “safe haven” in Pittsburgh, providing permanent housing to 16 chronically homeless mentally ill women.
• Provided up to two years of transitional housing and supportive services to 325 formerly homeless women since A Step-Up’s inception.
• Opened Ambiance consignment boutique in Regent Square and a second store in Oakmont. Ambiance serves as an essential marketing tool as well as a resource for our Project Employ participants to receive clothing and image consulting.
Target demographics: Homeless women ages 18+ in the
Western Pennsylvania area needing emergency shelter, transitional housing, mental health, dental, medical or podiatry services, as well as job training. Men 18+ are eligible for mental health and job training services.
Direct beneficiaries per year: In 2008-09, Bethlehem Haven served 729 women and men
Geographic areas served: Greater Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania
Programs: In order to successfully reintegrate into the community, homeless individuals need assistance to confront and deal with the issues that caused them to become homeless or were a result of their being homeless. Bethlehem Haven offers a continuum of care on-site where participants work with professional staff to develop and follow through on their individualized plans. Programs and services include: (1) The emergency shelter which provides 28 homeless women with a safe, clean environment and an opportunity to work with caring staff to assess their needs, develop a plan of services, and establish goals for reclaiming their lives. (2) A STEP-UP provides up to two years of transitional housing for 20 women. This program focuses on more independent living and is designed to build self-reliance. (3) On-site outpatient medical, podiatry, gynecological, and dental care through the Health Care for the Homeless Project(Primary Health Care Services) and Magee- Womens Hospital, UPMC. (4) Mental health services through the 902 Clinic. An outreach case manager seeks out homeless individuals on the street and encourages them to participate in medical and intensive outpatient psychiatric services offered through partnership with a variety of local providers on site. Open to women and men. (5) Life skills and job training are provided through Project Employ, with the primary focus being to assist in developing the skills required to improve self-sufficiency and quality of life through obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment. Open to women and men. (6) SOAR (Safe Oasis and Residence) A program created to provide permanent housing with supportive services to 16 chronically homeless women with severe mental illness. (7) Miryam's offers a residential program offering transitional housing, case management and assistance with basic needs to 30 women; a day program providing sanctuary, case management, and three meals/seven days a week for over 1,000 women each year; and, an aftercare program providing private sector housing development, homelessness prevention and community support services for 33 participants.
