ALLENTOWN, Pa. \u2014 A state grant is set to fund weekend homeless services in Allentown after funding for the measure was a victim of city officials\u2019 ongoing budget battle.<\/p>\n
The Lehigh Conference of Churches will get $50,000 to expand services, according to a news release from local state lawmakers.<\/p>\n
The funding will let the faith-based nonprofit offer help beyond its weekday schedule at its Daybreak drop-in center on West Allen Street.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur country clearly has miles to go to address this housing crisis and factors contributing to homelessness … But we cannot shy away from supporting the work of organizations providing compassionate care in our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
State Rep. Mike Schlossberg<\/p>\n
The center serves about 1,400 people each year \u2014 65% of whom are homeless, the release states.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s currently open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday-Friday each week.<\/p>\n
LCC Executive Director Abby Goldfarb said the money will provide \u201clife-changing support for individuals who are working during the week and offering hope to families who need it most.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hailing the grant<\/p>\n
Allentown\u2019s legislative delegation in Harrisburg hailed the grant after helping to secure it.<\/p>\n
State Sen. Nick Miller called the Lehigh Conference of Churches \u201ca pillar in the community,\u201d while state Rep. Pete Schweyer said it is \u201can integral part of assisting our most vulnerable citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur country clearly has miles to go to address this housing crisis and factors contributing to homelessness, including strengthening mental health care and creating good-paying jobs,\u201d state Rep. Mike Schlossberg said in the release.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we cannot shy away from supporting the work of organizations providing compassionate care in our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n