Giving Guide: Little Sisters of the Poor

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The Sisters care for the elderly poor regardless of race or religion, promising to serve them with love and respect until death.

2022 will be the 150th anniversary of the Little Sisters of the Poor’s presence in Pittsburgh. A Catholic order, which was founded in France in 1839 by Saint Jeanne Jugan, the Sisters care for the elderly poor regardless of race or religion, promising to serve them with love and respect until death.

As it was from their beginnings, the Little Sisters rely solely on Divine Providence to provide for their financial needs. From the first days of the foundation of the Pittsburgh Home the Sisters went out and begged for assistance. This tradition continues today as they beg daily for community support, asking others to contribute to their mission. The Sisters' Home at 1028 Benton Avenue (North Side) is a fully licensed nursing facility open to financially needy men and women aged 65 or older. 88 Residents call this Home, including 40 low-income apartment dwellers. Admission is based first and foremost on financial need. Sixteen Little Sisters live at the Home and provide around the clock care to their Residents, whom they welcome as Jesus Christ Himself.

Living at the Little Sisters of the Poor Home is unlike living at a typical nursing home. The most unique aspect that distinguishes the Home from others is the fact that priority admission is given exclusively to the needy elderly. For profit and even non-profit nursing homes often ask applicants to prove that they have the financial assets to cover their cost of care for multiple years. The Little Sisters operate in an exact opposite manner. Applicants to the Home are only accepted on the waiting list once it is proven that they are in fact financially needy and cannot afford care elsewhere. Once admitted, Residents are welcomed here as one would welcome family.

Over the years the Little Sisters home has received numerous awards. Some highlights include being named as one of the top twelve nursing homes in the state of Pennsylvania in 2010. This accomplishment was followed by the Little Sisters Home added to the list of the top 39 nursing homes in the nation compiled by U.S. News and World Report in 2012. For the last few years, including in 2020, the Home was named a 5-star nursing facility by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare, the highest rating possible. This distinction shows the Sisters and staff commitment to serving their Residents in the best possible way.

The Little Sisters aspire to continue their mission of hospitality to the elderly well into the future. They are grateful for the many years of support from the Pittsburgh community. Contact the Home today to see how you can help our legacy of caring for the elderly!

To donate to Little Sisters of the Poor, visit littlesistersofthepoor.org.