Lancaster, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/01/2018 -- Water Street Mission today announces their upcoming renovation and relocation of overnight emergency shelter space.
Previously used for warehousing furniture donations, the 9,000 square foot space will provide:
- safe space where individuals can stabilize from seasons of trauma and despair
- fewer bunk beds with single beds to reduce crowding and improve personal space
- Increased bathroom space and added private showers
- Provide indoor storage of belongings, better laundry facilities, and an "insomnia room"
Speaking about the need for the renovations, Water Street Mission President, Jack Crowley, stated, "Over the last three years, we've made a concerted effort to transform our facilities to reflect our standards of providing an environment of love, value and dignity for our Mission guests. We are very excited for the improvements that we're making. Our emergency shelter, like our dining hall, so often become the bridge from meeting a guest's immediate needs to their decision to invest themselves fully in the process of restoration through the programs we offer at Water Street. These renovations aren't intended to increased capacity, but rather focus on improvements in the care we can provide."
Lancaster County Coalition to End Homeless (LCCEH) leaders voiced their support.
LCCEH Executive Director, Jen Koppel, commented, "The changes being made at Water Street's emergency shelter demonstrate the compassionate care they provide for our community. Individuals experiencing homelessness have a right to be treated with dignity and value. The renovations represent those values in action and the Lancaster County Coalition to End Homelessness is grateful for the strong partnership with Water Street in developing this space."
Jim S. Amstutz, LCCEH Leadership Council Chair, added, "The Lancaster County Coalition to End Homelessness values the faith-based, holistic approach that Water Street Mission brings to the table, and I commend them for this new initiative to insure the dignity, personal space and safety of guests in a renovated emergency shelter. Water Street continues to find creative ways to address the complexities of persons experiencing homeless with innovative and people-centered solutions."
Estimated at just over $1 million, the emergency shelter renovation project has already received $650,000 in committed funds from key Water Street financial supporters. The project is planned to begin late summer and be completed in the fall of 2018.
About Water Street Mission
Since 1905, Water Street Mission has provided an environment of hope and healing where Lancaster County's at-risk men, women and children can find a hand up and restoration with God.
For more information or to donate to Water Street Mission, please visit www.wsm.org.
CONTACT:
Thom Scott
Director of Marketing, Water Street Mission
tscott@wsm.org
717-358-2056