The South Side location of Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, the sexual violence survivor service center, will close for about a month during renovations to improve safety and security in the building.

Funded by a more than $137,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Keystone Communities Initiative Program, the work will close the building from March 24 to May 26.

Upgrades to the Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) building will include: a sliding glass security window between the front door on South 19th Street and the receptionist desk, adding ID badge scanners for elevator access, additional smoke detectors, fresh paint and new flooring to replace the carpet.

Sadie Restivo, PAAR’s executive director, said the upgrades will align with Pittsburgh Public Safety standards to help provide a welcoming, trauma-informed environment.

“None of this had to be done, but this was a really nice way to do our diligence,” Restivo said.

The renovations follow a free informal site infrastructure assessment conducted by the Pittsburgh Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security at the recommendation of PAAR board member Eric Holmes, chief of Duquesne University Police and former Pittsburgh police commander.

Holmes could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

Informal Site Infrastructure Assessments are brief walk-throughs of a facility’s interior and exterior that evaluate security, emergency preparedness and physical infrastructure, detailing vulnerabilities and low-cost options to address those vulnerabilities, according to the Pittsburgh Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

Pittsburgh Public Safety officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Restivo said that Critical Infrastructure Manager Adam Ameel visited the South Side office in March 2025 to complete the assessment.

PAAR then applied for the grant once the assessment was complete.

“The most important message we want to emphasize is that PAAR services will continue without interruption throughout the duration of the project,” Restivo said on Tuesday.

PAAR advocates, counselors and therapists will be meeting with clients at Human Services Center Mon Valley in Turtle Creek, virtually and in community-based locations as needed, Restivo said.

“We strongly encourage anyone in need of support to continue reaching out just as they normally would,” Restivo said.

PAAR’s helpline (1-800-363-7273) and main office line will remain fully operational.