Downtown Daily Bread
Two Harrisburg nonprofits may soon receive thousands of dollars to expand their homelessness services.
Harrisburg officials said that the city would give $1 million of its federal COVID-relief funds to Downtown Daily Bread (DDB) and Christian Churches United of the Tri County Area (CCU) to begin offering year-round overnight shelters.
Mayor Wanda Williams shared the news at a press conference held by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg on Wednesday to announce a $500 million investment in PennDOT’s I-83 South Bridge replacement project. During the press event, Williams was asked about the large homeless encampment located near the PennDOT building, which officials have said will eventually need to be vacated for construction.
Matt Maisel, city communications director, said that as one response to the issue, Harrisburg plans to split its $1 million federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allotment for “bridge housing” between CCU and DDB. In total, the city received $47 million in ARPA funds, which it divided among a list of initiatives.
Currently, both DDB and CCU offer winter overnight shelters. However, the city hopes that the $1 million would support both organizations in offering year-round overnight shelters.
According to Darrel Reinford, executive director of CCU, their organization is still in discussion with the city about the potential expansion and has not yet solidified a plan. However, CCU is weighing the possibility of opening its winter shelter for women and nonbinary people for year-round operation, Reinford said.
“It presents a fairly low-barrier option that really isn’t out there currently, except for in the winter,” Reinford said.
DDB Executive Director Corrie Lingenfelter said that they also hope to begin offering year-round shelter for men, and possibly women and families in the future, although they’re still in the planning stage.
“This was always something I have envisioned but we didn’t have all the resources for, with the city’s help I do believe we will be able to accomplish this for our unhoused guests who have nowhere to go at night,” she said. “I believe no one should have to be outdoors if they don’t want to be for any time of the year, not just those winter months where we provide service.”
According to Maisel, the city is hoping to get the money to the organizations soon so that they could possibly open the shelters in the fall.
While PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll shared that it is still unknown when the encampment will need to be vacated, he said that the department is working with the city, county and local service providers to come up with a plan for how to move and assist occupants.
The city’s forthcoming investment in shelters is just one solution, Maisel said, as officials are still working to find other resources and places for the homeless to relocate to.
For more information about Christian Churches United of the Tri County Area, visit their website. To find out more about Downtown Daily Bread, visit their website.
Story updated on 7/18/24 to include comments from DDB.
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