LANCASTER, Pa. — A county-wide challenge is underway at a homeless shelter in Lancaster to help families in need.
Water Street Mission’s 80,000 pounds food challenge recently began with the goal of providing aid to those in need during an ongoing homelessness crisis in Pennsylvania.
“The difference that three hot meals makes compared to every other option out there is really profound,” said David Nagel, a Water Street Mission resident.
He has been living at Water Street Mission in Lancaster for a year.
Before that, he says he used to go from one church to another for a free meal.
“I never had three meals a day. They weren’t in one place you can count on,” said Nagal.
This is one of the reasons why the Water Street Mission is challenging the community to donate 80,000 pounds of non-perishable food.
“We try to create meals from all over the world. So, we can meet everyone’s expectations and touch something from everyone’s background. So, it means a touch of home, it means food security,” Terence Reed, executive chef at Water Street Mission.
The food drive is collecting donated boxed, canned, or non-perishable plastic items.
“These meals are a way for people to come in and just find a little bit of peace. It provides a safe place for them to just start to connect with other people, life coaches, with case managers,” said Matt Clement, the director of marketing at Water Street Mission.
The shelter came up short of its donation goal last year. It's a reality that made things tough for the shelter.
“When we don’t hit that goal, we have to depend on our neighbors and community members. So, it gets a little tough all around for everybody. But we will make it with help,” said Reed.
If you would like a list of items that you can donate, click here.
The food drive goes until December 22.