This Guide is designed to help Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh users to locate and contact community assistance organizations that are relevant to their needs. Some services are free or low cost. Many are targeted towards specific communities, age groups, or topics. Please read the guide carefully to ensure that you are able to access the resources provided by each organization or government entity.
Library staff are able to answer questions regarding the use of this guide and general information about the resources. If you have questions about eligibility or specific services, please contact the listed organizations directly using the contact information provided.
If you represent a provider of social services that we have included in this guide and would like to offer additional information or corrections, please reach out via email to info@carnegielibrary.org . Make sure to mention the “Social Services Library Guide” in the subject of your message.
If you represent a provider of social services that we have not included, please reach out via email to info@carnegielibrary.org . Make sure to mention the “Social Services Library Guide” in the subject of your message. We will consider the addition of your organization or service and may follow up with additional questions.
If you find any information provided within is incorrect or out of date and would like to tell us, please reach out via email to info@carnegielibrary.org . Make sure to mention the “Social Services Library Guide” in the subject of your message.
CLP is not a provider of the services listed in this guide. The purpose of this guide is to assist in the location of resources and services to our patrons in need or in crisis.
If you are having a medical or mental health emergency, please call 911, Resolve at 1-888-796-8226, or 988 for the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The following resources are a good starting point for finding general assistance in the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.
211 from The United Way of Southwest PA
211 is a 24/7 telephone helpline (also available via text and chat) that helps prevent hunger, utility shut-offs and homelessness when people have nowhere else to turn. You can call the assistance line by dialing 2-1-1 anytime 24/7 or search for services at https://pa211sw.org/.
Call 2-1-1 or 412-261-6010 – available 24/7
Bigburgh.com is a mobile-optimized web site the pulls together services that can help the homeless (or those at risk of being homeless) in the City of Pittsburgh. They include services that are free, good and welcoming, especially to those without an address. Find out more here.
Everyone experiences moments of crisis in life. You might be struggling with depression or substance abuse. Or maybe you’re overwhelmed by problems at work, feeling lonely, or having a conflict with a loved one. Whether your problem is large or small, talking with someone can help. Most of all, don’t wait for a problem to get out of control. Just call resolve Crisis Services for help at 1-888-796-8226.
Their walk-in crisis center is located at 333 North Braddock Ave.
988 – National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. The Lifeline is committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.
988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. (Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.)
Free statewide resource to help connect PA residents to social services. Find free or low-cost services for: financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, housing, unemployment, transportation, utilities, childcare, and clothing. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Resource guide for social service organizations, government agencies, employers, and foundations.
