In 1970, the fabric of Pittsburgh’s South Oakland neighborhood was changing rapidly, reflecting the greater changes of the city brought about by the collapse of the steel industry. Community Human Services began when a small group of community members pulled together $60 per month to rent a storefront in their neighborhood to provide their neighbors with a space to build relationships and feel connected. In this small communal place, the group incubated community programs and quickly realized success in effectively addressing issues of crime and deterioration in their neighborhood.
These efforts marked the beginning of Community Human Service’s commitment to enhancing people’s lives and cherishing the role that everyone plays in their communities. CHS focuses on making sure each person’s basic needs are met and that they have genuine, positive opportunities to grow their personal, social and communal networks through with support from a trauma informed care and housing first model.