Please see the message below from the Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition:

The Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition is sending the following notification out to the Community and if anyone wants to assist, please see the details below.

With the upcoming cold weather this weekend, the Coalition is looking to host a pop-up winter shelter and day shelter (warming center) in the city. As you may be aware, all our emergency shelters are at capacity; we know 20+ people are living unsheltered. After exploring several options for evening and daytime sites, the garage at Tenfold (308 East King Street, Lancaster) is our most likely location. The expansive garage is covered on all sides and with numerous windows to allow for natural sunlight; the facility is well-lighted. The Coalition is partnering with local emergency services to coordinate cots and heating.

The Coalition needs your help to staff the shelter (day and night)! The Coalition is recruiting individuals willing to be on-site at the location during the hours of operation at a pay rate of $30/hour. Below are the details:

Code Blue Shelter: Beginning Friday, December 23rd at 12:00pm until Tuesday, December 27th at 10:00am. (24-hour operations)

Hours per each day:

• Day shift: 7am – 3pm (3 individuals needed)
• Evening shift: 3pm-11pm (3 individuals needed)
• Overnight shift: 11pm-7am (must stay awake) (2 individuals needed)
• Additional shift needed for Tuesday, December 27th from 7am-10am
• There are a total of 41 shifts (8-hour) that need coverage.

Pay rate: $30/hour (weekend and holiday rate)

Volunteer Application

Security: Paid security will be on-site during all operating hours. The Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authority representatives will also manage the shelter.

Shelter Guests: adults only (no families) needing temporary shelter.

With the help of local emergency services, the Coalition will transform the Tenfold garage into a space with appropriate heating, cots, restroom accommodations, and light meals. (No cooking facilities are available.)

Volunteer staff must be a minimum of 18 years old. Experience is not required but is a plus in working with individuals with critical needs and/or mental illness. During the shift, you would be on-site, engaging with guests providing support to ensure everyone is okay. (Emergency information will be available if medical care is needed.)

If you are interested in serving this weekend, complete the fillable PDF application attached and return it ASAP to Stacey Ebersole at sebersole@lchra.com. The Coalition will follow up with a telephone call to review the next steps. If you cannot volunteer but are willing to provide store-purchased food (e.g., snacks, water bottles, sandwiches, pastries) or hot meals, please complete the online form here Food Donations Sign-Up.

While this accommodation is not ideal, we want to keep our neighbors as safe as possible. Your participation will be extremely beneficial.