Union Mission building in Derry Township expands to offer longer-term transitional shelter

The Union Mission’s emergency shelter for homeless men was at 108% capacity last year, with cots supplementing its 24 beds.

Next month, the faith-based organization will open a new long-term shelter that is expected to relieve pressure on emergency shelters in Westmoreland County.

“There are folks using emergency shelters where their only barrier really is economic,” Union Mission Executive Director Dan Carney said on Monday during an open house at the long-term facility on Harrison Avenue in Derry Township.

“They don’t need a ton of supportive-service intervention, they may not need 24/7 hands-on supervision, and they’re waiting for the ability to move into affordable subsidized housing,” he said. “That takes time. This facility will allow those folks to transition from the emergency shelter.”

The first of its kind in Westmoreland County, the 12-unit, 8,400-square-foot building was constructed with $2.6 million in federal pandemic funding funneled through the county.

“We’re all very concerned about the homeless in our community,” said Melaney Hegyes, managing director of Catholic Charities and a member of the Union Mission board. “The need is very high right now, and our struggle is the number of beds. Having more beds available is an amazing opportunity.”

At any given time, shelter space is available for a little under 50 households in Westmoreland County, Carney said. The long-term shelter will add to that capacity.

Homes Build Hope partnered with the Union Mission in developing its existing 5,500-square-foot emergency shelter, assisting with design and construction oversight and maintenance. The local nonprofit has provided similar assistance with the new long-term shelter, Carney said.

The three-floor building includes a first-story laundry room and storage space in the basement.

The emergency shelter offers meals prepared in a central kitchen and shared spaces for occupants, including two congregate living areas. Most men stay there no longer than two months.

Carney said the long-term facility is designed for more independent living, accommodating stays of up to nine months or more. Each unit has a sleeper sofa, television, internet access, shower and a kitchen where occupants can prepare and serve their own meals.

Single people can occupy one unit, or two adjoining units can be linked to house a family. At least one unit will have features — such as a flashing door bell — to help an occupant who is hearing-impaired.

Occupants will be able to have emotional support or service animals, but not pets, Carney said.

“It will be a turnkey place for them,” he said. “They’ll be able to bring their belongings and clothes and make it their home.”

Transitional space

Union Mission has yet to open a waiting list for the long-term units.

“We already have had people inquiring and being extremely interested in being over there,” said Jason Himler, an ordained minister and a facility attendant at the emergency shelter.

“It gives you the amenities to be comfortable and have a life, but it’s still small enough that it causes you to want to move into something bigger,” he said. “It is transitional.”

“It really is a perfect place for a lot of people,” said Eric Semasko, kitchen manager for the emergency shelter. “A lot of people work paycheck to paycheck. If they get hurt and are waiting for disability money to come in, they could end up losing their apartment because they can’t pay the rent.

“It can take up to 18 months to get into income-based housing. Being able to come here in the meantime is better than bouncing around from shelter to shelter or living in your car.”

The Union Mission offers support services for its emergency shelter occupants, including counseling, case management, life skills training, spiritual development and education. The long-term occupants also will have access to those services, Carney said.

“We’re going to have some familiarity with most of the folks who are living here,” said Carney. “We want to to make sure they’re progressing toward transition, whatever that goal looks like for them.”

The Union Mission has a staff of 30 spread among its various programs, which also include one 18-month transitional housing unit each in Westmoreland and Fayette counties and two in Washington County. It also operates 14 rapid rehousing units in the Mon Valley and a supportive housing program for those who need the highest level of services.

Carney said the organization expects to add more staff when it brings online the long-term shelter and five more planned transitional housing units.

Feb. 22 is the planned housewarming date for the long-term units, when Carney expects to have them furnished with dishes, towels and other kitchen and bath necessities contributed by area church congregations.