HARRISBURG, Pa. — Two of Harrisburg's overnight shelters will soon be able to operate year-round, thanks to a boost in funding.
Mayor Wanda Williams' office says the $1 million in funding will immediately help the city's unhoused community members.
Harrisburg City Council approved moving the money to Downtown Daily Bread and Christian Churches United as part of the Bridge Housing program, which was established using the city's American Rescue Plan funding.
The decision was made in a 6-1 vote, with Councilwoman Daniels being the only dissention.
Both shelters will receive $500,000. The funding will help to increase space for unhoused residents and help each one to begin operating their overnight shelters year-round. Previously, both shelters only operated overnight shelters from December 1 to March 31.
“This money will be able to help address our city’s growing unhoused population immediately,” said Mayor Williams. “We realize not everyone wishes to have a roof over their head at night, but many do, and thanks to partners like Downtown Daily Bread and Christian Churches United who are doing tremendous work in our city every day, more people will have the opportunity to sleep safely and soundly."
Both Downtown Daily Bread and Christian Churches United anticipate being able to open year-round capacity starting on November 1.
The mayor's office says the decision to fund both shelters was made with the upcoming I-83 South Bridge project in mind. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation expects to start work on creating a new South Bridge in mid-2025. PennDOT has stated the space where a large unhoused encampment is located will be needed when construction begins.
City leaders say they are committed to finding solutions to safely relocate the dozens of people who currently use the space.
“It has always been a hope of mine to be able to provide overnight shelter for our neighbors all year round,” said Corrie Lingenfelter, Executive Director at Downtown Daily Bread. “This opportunity to extend our overnight shelter to a year round overnight shelter excites me, and it would not have happened without the gracious support of this city and our mayor. She’s been part of this plan from day one and very supportive to the vision and mission of Downtown Daily Bread. We are thrilled for this new opportunity to serve the community at a bigger capacity.”
Darrel Reinford, Executive Director at Christian Churches United, added, “We are grateful for this opportunity to be able to expand our services to those dealing with homelessness. Providing a safe place for someone to sleep is essential to provide them with some measure of dignity and help them get back on their feet. It also provides a place where they can receive other support and be connected with other community services. We look forward to collaborating with all those in our community who want to walk alongside those who do not have stable housing and make this shelter a place of healing and hope.”