United Way and YMCA Announce Plan to Open Allentown Temporary Shelter for Residents of Homeless Encampment
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and River Crossing YMCA have announced a joint plan to open the warming station at the Y’s Allentown Branch by September 30 to offer immediate shelter for the residents of the Jordan Creek homeless encampment. With the pending evacuation of the camp due to cited safety concerns, United Way and the YMCA worked quickly to offer a solution in partnership with the City of Allentown, Lehigh County, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and local citizens.
“We are pleased to provide a short-term solution for shelter by opening the Warming Station nearly two months ahead of schedule,” stated River Crossing YMCA President and Chief Executive Officer Zane Moore. “We appreciate our collaboration with the United Way and other local partners who are critical to our ability to mobilize the resources needed to run and staff the Warming Station, and provide a safe, caring space for our unhoused community.”
The evacuation is scheduled to take effect on August 25. The warming station which typically operates from mid-November to mid-April provides daily shelter, food and a safe place for those experiencing homelessness. Under the announced plan, the station would open nearly two months ahead of schedule.
“We’re grateful for the funding partners who quickly came together to provide an immediate option for people who will need to relocate. However, addressing this issue will require additional mid- and long-term solutions, and we’re committed to working with the residents, the City, County and the nonprofit service providers to ensure that all residents will have access to ongoing safe, stable and appropriate housing,” said United Way President and Chief Executive Officer Marci Lesko.
River Crossing YMCA has operated the warming station at the Allentown YMCA located on South 15th Street since 2018. In addition to offering daily beds, meals, bathrooms and showers, staff coordinates case management and health care services during the winter season.
“Our City has a commitment to the health and safety of all residents, and we are grateful to our community partners for their support of that mission,” said Mayor Matt Tuerk. “River Crossing YMCA and United Way have stepped up to provide immediate help while we continue our efforts to provide stable and secure housing, and I thank them for their leadership.”
“We’re proud to be part of a coalition with the City, County, United Way and YMCA to work toward a solution to the homelessness issues that our community is facing,” added Lehigh County Executive Philips Armstrong.
“The Community Foundation recognizes the importance of addressing urgent needs in our community while we collectively work toward long-term solutions,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “We are grateful for the leadership of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the YMCA in providing a safe and compassionate temporary option for our neighbors facing homelessness. Our support of this collaboration reflects our community’s shared commitment to dignity, safety, and care for all residents of the Lehigh Valley.”
Donations to support the housing efforts can be made online at this secure website or via mail (checks payable to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109 – attention “Emergency Services Fund”). Additionally, anyone interested in making a donation can text “ALLENTOWN” to 40403.
A view into the Warming Station is available here. B-roll footage may be freely used.