LANCASTER, Pa. — Lancaster housing officials are modifying its shelter arrangements for people struggling with homelessness after one shelter had to be moved due to heating concerns.
Last Wednesday, the Lancaster County Food Hub moved its 40-bed emergency shelter to the 200 block of North Prince Street, after there was a boiler issue at its original location at the Ebenezer Baptist Church.
“Everybody jumped in and brought crews and trucks, and we were moved the same day," said Paige McFarling, the executive director of the Lancaster County Food Hub. “When the concern was that it was going to take weeks, not hours or a couple of days, just to have the boiler repaired, we knew that it was important to keep people warm.”
Meanwhile, the Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authority announced that the opening of a new, low-barrier shelter is being delayed. The shelter at the Otterbein United Methodist Church on Clay Street was originally set to open on December 1.
Executive Director Justin Eby said the delay is due to the church needing around $1.4 million in renovations just to bring the site up to code.
“We want to have a safe and healthy space for people who are staying, just like you would for a residence with a rental unit or homeowner," said Eby.
“We want to see those doors open as well. We don’t want to see anyone outside," said Deb Jones, the director of human services with the Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Jones said officials are working with community partners to ensure that people struggling with homelessness have access to shelter this winter.
“We’re working diligently to expand the shelters so that people can come inside and be safe, warm, and dry," said Jones.
The Lancaster Housing Authority is hoping to open the new shelter by February 1.