Homeless Voices Matter in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a city built on toughness, unity, and resilience—the same grit that defined the legendary “Steel Curtain” defense of the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers. That defense stood strong against every challenge, protecting the city with unwavering strength. Today, Pittsburgh faces a different kind of challenge, homelessness, and it demands the same steadfast determination and solidarity.

My Story: Homeless Single-Parent Father
I know homelessness firsthand. Raising my daughter as a single father without a stable home meant facing daily battles, the constant instability, the crushing uncertainty about where we would sleep, and the heavy stigma attached to living in shelters or on the streets. Battling addiction during this time made it even harder, but through resilience, determination, and access to support services, I was able to turn my life around. Today, as a social impact documentary filmmaker and homeless advocate, I use my story to push for systemic solutions that go beyond temporary fixes.

From my very first campaign, Mandate Future Politicians to Prioritize Homelessness, and Homeless Voices Matter, Listen to the Voices of the Homeless, I’ve worked to make homelessness an urgent political priority. These efforts have grown into, echoing all the way to South Africa. Like the Steel Curtain defense, this movement calls us to confront homelessness head-on—with courage, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to change.

The Growing Homelessness Crisis
Allegheny County conducts a Point-in-Time (PIT) count each January to assess homelessness. The 2023 count revealed 913 people in shelters, up from 736 in 2022, with 155 individuals unsheltered. Among those in need, 676 were adults, and 52 were youth aged 18–24. Despite these alarming numbers, homelessness remains a secondary issue for many voters, with only 35% prioritizing crime and 23% the economy. This must change.

Local Action is Key
The recent Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass allows local governments to regulate outdoor camping, underscoring the need for clear, compassionate local policies. Homelessness is a shared responsibility requiring action from the public, policymakers, and community organizations.

In addition, the current administration recently signed an executive order titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.” This directive encourages states and cities to address homelessness by clearing public spaces and providing access to treatment for mental health and addiction. While the intention is to address root causes, advocates caution against approaches that may infringe on individual rights or lack sufficient support systems. With supportive programs facing budget cuts, the urgency to get this right grows even greater.

As Pittsburgh moves forward, balancing enforcement with compassion is critical—ensuring policies protect the dignity of every individual while effectively addressing homelessness.

A Personal Call to Action
Though not originally from Pittsburgh, my personal experience with homelessness and addiction has shaped my commitment. Through my work, I launched global campaigns like Mandate Future Politicians to Prioritize Homelessness and Homeless Voices Matter, Listen to the Voices of the Homeless, which is part of A Global Call That Must Echo in South Africa. These campaigns urge voters to demand that politicians prioritize homelessness as they do with issues like the economy, abortion, and immigration.

Having raised my daughter during these struggles, I’ve seen the importance of shelters and support services firsthand. These services are vital but must fit into systemic, long-term solutions.

Pittsburgh’s Legacy of Overcoming Challenges
Pittsburgh has always risen to meet challenges with resilience and heart. The city can comprehensively address homelessness by leveraging successful programs like Pittsburgh Mercy’s Integrated Care Clinic, which combines healthcare, housing, and social services. Cities like Denver and Portland have seen success with supportive housing programs, which Pittsburgh can adapt to meet its unique needs.

Key Policy Recommendations
To effectively address homelessness, Pittsburgh needs concrete policies:

• Expand Affordable Housing: Increase funding near key educational and employment centers like the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon.
• Enhance Support Services: Invest in mental health care, addiction treatment, and job training to tackle root causes.
• Improve Coordination: Foster collaboration among local government, nonprofits, and the university community.
• Prevent Homelessness: Develop eviction prevention and rental assistance programs, especially as housing costs rise.

Holding Politicians Accountable
We must elect leaders who prioritize homelessness and mandate that future politicians, local, state, and national, commit to this issue with the urgency it deserves.

How You Can Help
Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Volunteer with local organizations like Pittsburgh Mercy and engage in outreach.
• Advocate by contacting representatives to prioritize homelessness funding.
• Raise awareness through social media and community conversations.
• Stay informed by attending public meetings focused on homelessness.

Pittsburgh’s greatest strength lies in its unity. Just as the Steel Curtain defense stood strong to protect the city, Pittsburgh can come together to tackle homelessness with equal determination. We need bold, sustainable solutions—not temporary fixes.

Pittsburgh can set a national example for compassionate and effective homelessness solutions. Let’s mandate that current and future politicians prioritize homelessness alongside major issues in every election. @ObstacleDelete

Eric Protein Moseley @MandateAChangeX