Mental Health Programs

Crisis Hotline |
Crisis Mobile |
New Foundations |
Permanent Supportive Housing |
Shared Housing

Crisis Hotline  1-800-836-6010

The Crisis Hotline is available 24/7 to provide assistance for individuals in crisis or for individuals seeking assistance for another in crisis. The Hotline is answered by a trained crisis worker who will assist with support and information about further services, if needed. The Hotline service provides assistance in clearly identifying the crisis, support for people in crisis, information and resources on community services and treatment providers.

Any individual with concerns for self or others may utilize the Crisis Hotline as a starting point for crisis support. Direct referrals for Crisis Mobile (face-to-face crisis intervention) are made through the Crisis Hotline. The only requirement is the person in a behavioral health crisis must be located in Westmoreland County, PA.

Crisis Mobile Program

The Crisis Mobile Program provides face-to-face intervention during crisis situations. Mobile Crisis services are available to adults, children, and adolescents in Westmoreland County who require face-to-face intervention in the community.

The Mobile Team assists those in crisis in a variety of situations, addressing such issues as suicidal and homicidal ideation, concern for friend or family members, and behavioral health concerns.

This service is an expansion of the Crisis Hotline and assists persons needing immediate assistance. Those experiencing a crisis, or know someone who is, are encouraged to call the Crisis Hotline at 1-800-836-6010 for immediate assistance.  The Crisis Mobile Program serves Westmoreland County.

A crisis is defined as an event or situation which causes an immediate disturbance in thought, behavior, mood or social relationship. It threatens, or has the potential to threaten, the well-being of the individual or others.

New Foundations

New Foundations is a new housing initiative that specifically targets individuals having difficulty maintaining their housing. The Program provides a safe and healthy temporary living environment for consumers struggling with mental health and co-occurring disorders. The goal is for participants to secure permanent housing based on their individual needs. Staff provides on-site support to participants and collaborates with referral agencies and Westmoreland County area providers to ensure continuity of care.  For information, please contact (724) 552-0305 ext. 7230.

Permanent Supportive Housing Programs

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Programs are designed to assist chronically homeless individuals and families with securing safe, affordable housing. PSH Programs provide long-term, community-based housing along with supportive services. Supportive services enable special needs populations to live as independently as possible in a permanent setting. We currently have 4 different PSH Programs: Pathways Permanent Supportive Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing — Transitional Age, Permanent Supportive Housing — Pittsburgh Street House, and Permanent Supportive Housing for Families.

Program eligibility is based on HUD’s definition of chronic homelessness: (a) lives in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven, or in an emergency shelter; AND (b) has been homeless and living in one of these places continuously for at least 12 months OR on at least 4 separate occasions in the last 3 years, as long as the combined occasions equal at least 12 months and each break in homelessness separating the occasions included at least 7 consecutive nights of not living in one of the aforementioned places.

Interested applicants are required to submit an application through Coordinated Entry. We are no longer permitted to accept direct referrals for PSH Programs.  Applicants are encouraged to contact Westmoreland Community Action at (724) 834-1260 for information regarding the Coordinated Entry process.

Shared Housing

The Shared Housing Program is designed to assist mental health consumers in securing housing.  Unlike the Permanent Supportive Housing criteria, mental health consumers interested in the Shared Housing Program do not have to be chronically homeless.  Also, the Shared Housing Program consists of 2-3 tenants living in the same home, rather than living in their own apartment. Each tenant has their own bedroom, treating the other  rooms in the home as common areas.  Currently, there are 2 Shared Housing homes, both located in Mt. Pleasant.  One home is for males and the other home is for females.  Referrals can be made by self-referral or through local mental health and/or community agencies.  For additional information, please call (724) 834-1260 ext. 1148.