On these cold nights shelters across the area are seeing an increase of people needing a warm place to stay. The Bethesda Mission in Harrisburg says they won’t turn anyone away. They have 70 beds but have started bringing out mattresses to put in their Chapel to accommodate more people.
“ We’ve been fortunate the past few winters but this one has been particularly difficult and we might see 30 to 40 additional people come in to the men’s shelter so we will have well over 100 people during these cold winter times,” says Scott Dunwoody, Director of Development at the Bethesda Mission
In Lancaster, at the Water Street Ministries they were just one person under their 220 bed capacity last night and they too are prepared with extra mattresses for anyone who is in need. They’ve been working to get as many off the streets as they can.
“ When people come in off the streets during the day we’re asking them, do you have a place to stay tonight? We don’t want you outside or in your car. We want you somewhere that’s safe and warm and so we provide them with that accommodation, “ says Keith Shetter, with the Water Street Ministries
Both the Bethesda Mission and Water Street Ministries are always looking for donations. For more information click here :