SHIM Center renovations allow for better service to community
The South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) Center in Bethel Park looks a bit different these days after the recent completion of a renovation project.
The renovations carried a price tag of about $1.7 million to $2 million at the facility at 5301 Park Ave.
They were made possible by a $370,000 Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF) Allegheny County grant, along with support from the Jefferson Regional Foundation, Eden Hall Foundation, Christ Church, Allegheny County Bar Foundation’s Attorneys Against Hunger and individual community donors. In addition, a successful fundraising effort called the “Do More Good Campaign” generated $6.8 million, exceeding the goal of $4 million, some of which went toward the renovation project.
Jim Guffey, SHIM executive director, said the renovations are a way for the facility to better serve the community, especially with the construction of two private meeting rooms.
“When you came here as an individual seeking help in the past you would sit in a cubicle and have to share your story,” Guffey said. “The two consulting rooms were huge in the plans so we could give people that respect and dignity and confidentiality.”
Work was done by Volpatt Construction Corp. of Castle Shannon, beginning in November 2023. Most of the work was done by July.
“We stayed open that entire time, which I’m very proud of,” Guffey said, adding that many adjustments the organization made during the COVID-19 pandemic were employed once again, such as a drive-through food pantry.
Renovations include:
Reconfiguration of space – More than 7,200 square feet of space have been redesigned to improve functionality for clients and staff. This includes a consolidated staff area, a more accessible support staff location and enhancements to the food pantry and clothing shop
Accessibility improvements, such as a new 350-square-foot addition which provides an accessible entrance and an elevator in the building.
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades, as well as a new wall system. New lighting, a conference room and a new lobby and reception area with an energy-efficient vestibule were added.
The elevator will address accessibility issues for both volunteers and visitors.
“If you were in a wheelchair, getting in and operating in this building would have been very, very challenging,” Guffey said. “If you came in at the lower level and needed to come up the stairs, we literally would have to get you in a car and drive you around or have you traverse right along South Park Road. This was done with a lens toward being more accessible to the general public.”
Plus, the building now has a brighter appearance.
“You come into our location now and the space is much brighter and much more welcoming to people, all of those kinds of things that make that first impression on people who are stepping up to get help,” Guffey said. “It’s much more functional from a business standpoint for our purposes. It’s much more efficient to operate. It’s been a good stewardship and investment in what donors are supporting.”
SHIM, founded in 1968 by a priest, a rabbi and a minister, has been providing food, clothing and services to people in need in Pittsburgh’s southern suburban neighborhoods since, serving more than 8,000 people annually.
Among SHIM’s services is a food pantry, use of which is at an all-time high, with an average of 3,900 individuals from 1,000 households seeking assistance each month. Guffey said August marked the first month where the pantry served more than 4,000 people.
Other services include the Clothing Closet, which offers clothes for those in need; back to school distributions; youth mentoring; an early childhood program; and home visits for children younger than 5. Families also can receive help enrolling in utility assistance programs and guidance on budgeting.
And the community garden was rebuilt to include raised beds and the installation of a water system.
“The completion of those renovations marks a significant step forward in our mission to better serve the South Hills community,” Guffey said. “The upgraded SHIM Center will enable us to enhance our programs and improve the overall experience for those we support.”