Allegheny County Department of Human Services closed the Smithfield United Church of Christ homeless shelter in June due to lack of air conditioning, but church employees say taxpayer dollars are still being spent a month later to cool a space nobody occupies. Parish administrator and former church council president Jon Colburn was authorized by DHS to bring air conditioners into the shelter on May 22, the same day DHS announced it would close due to lack of central air.  Colburn was confused why DHS, after investing thousands in the well-being of the shelter’s residents, would send them out into the heat. When the county acquired the air conditioners, they were already paid for through July, DHS spokesperson Mark Bertolet said. Each month costs DHS over $7,000 to rent for two months. Further, DHS did not renew Smithfield’s annual contract and has not informed the church if the shelter will open for winter shelter season, which runs  from November to March. Discussions between DHS Director Erin Dalton and the church have stalled, Colburn said; it’s not clear whether the Smithfield  shelter will reopen or if an alternative, low-barrier location will be used.  

Photo Credit: Matt Glover/Pittsburgh Institute for Nonprofit Journalism