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Essential Pittsburgh: Some Fresh Ways to Shelter Homeless People

Jon Potter, the owner of what's said to be Pittsburgh's only hostel, is trying to fund his next big project. A co-operatively owned house called the Pittsburgh Home, it would offer a safe and free place for Pittsburghers in need of shelter. He explains where things stand with the project's development and how a co-operative shelter would work.

 

With regard to his plans for the Pittsburgh Home, Potter explains:

“The shelters are great, but there’s a dignity in having your own home, and that’s what we want to provide. It’s not only dignity, but it’s having an address that you can use to apply for jobs and get a bank account and get a driver’s license. Because actually having a home, I think, is what people need.”

Helping Allegheny County's Homeless Youth (starts at 0:00)

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services is looking to create a downtown home base for young people under the age of 24 who are considered homeless. This is in light of a report that reveals approximately 240 young people, ages 18 through 24, were counted as living on the street, in abandoned buildings or in shelters. Abigail Horn, a senior adviser for DHS, explains why that number is likely to be much higher, and what the county is trying to do to ensure their continual access to safe shelter.

 

It's Not Another Hostel, It's a Cooperative Homeless Shelter (starts at 29:06)

Jon Potter, the owner of what's said to be Pittsburgh's only hostel, is trying to fund his next big project. A co-operatively owned house called the Pittsburgh Home, it would offer a safe and free place for Pittsburghers in need of shelter. He explains where things stand with the project's development and how a co-operative shelter would work.

Escape the Cold with a Mexican Holiday (starts at 41:40)

Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun are just a few of the sunny destinations south of the U.S. border. Travel contributor Elaine Labalme has some suggestions for a holiday in Mexico.

 

Labalme’s “top five” for Mexico travel include:

To leave a question or comment before or after the show dial 412-256-8783. More Essential Pittsburgh segments can be heard here.

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