500 in 500
The Heart:
500 in 500 is a bold initiative to move 500 people experiencing homelessness into safe, affordable housing in just 500 days. By tapping into existing rental units, accelerating repairs, and converting unused buildings, the county is creating real solutions—and real homes—for those who need them most.
The Hustle:
Comprehensive brand development, including website design and build, video production, social media strategy, and community outreach and engagement.
Because nobody should live in emergency shelters or on the street.
The team worked to capture real stories from real people who have been effected by homelessness. These stories offer a powerful glimpse into the journey from homelessness to stable, affordable housing, highlighting the personal significance of that transition.
A comprehensive social media strategy was developed to champion the '500 in 500' initiative, raising awareness about local homelessness and exploring the systemic causes that contribute to these hardships.
A big part of the hustle included content strategy, design, and build out of a scalable website that shared facts, statistics and resources about local homelessness.
Real Progress, Real Impact
Activation of Units
As of February 2025 (≈250 days in), the program had activated 191 fully accessible housing units to move people out of shelters.
People are Being Housed 286 housing units have been activated and successfully housed 449 individuals as of May 2025. Stability rates are high—98% for single adults and 100% for families—indicating that once placed, residents are staying housed.
Reduced Encampments
In addition to individual outcomes, the initiative has also supported broader efforts to reduce unsheltered homelessness in Allegheny County, including the closure of the Eliza Furnace Trail encampment, one of the last major encampments in downtown Pittsburgh.