Crowdstake

Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering

EIN: 45-5235845 · Bethlehem, PA

Homelessness Prevention
Emergency Sheltering
Community Support Services

Our Story

In January 2009, the seeds for Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering Inc. were sown when a social worker and deacon at Trinity Episcopal Soup Kitchen discovered that many individuals were forced to sleep outside in sub-freezing temperatures due to a lack of available shelter. Responding to this urgent need, several Episcopal churches, including St. Andrew’s Church and Cathedral Church of the Nativity, opened their doors to provide overnight shelter during the harsh winter months. This initiative quickly grew, with five additional churches joining the effort, along with the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV), which allowed the use of one of its buildings when churches were unavailable.

Completely staffed by volunteers, these dedicated groups housed approximately 75 men and women from January through March, successfully preventing them from freezing to death during the coldest months of the year. As the program developed, it became clear that the need for shelter would be ongoing. Each subsequent winter season, from December 1 to March 31, the program expanded its reach, providing shelter to an increasing number of guests. By March 2010, 12 churches were involved, and the number of volunteers grew to about 110, all working tirelessly to maintain this vital ministry.

From 2009 to 2017, Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering operated a multi-site program across 13-14 churches, with men and women sheltered in separate locations each night. Transportation was provided to those in need, and as the demand for shelter continued to rise, so did the number of churches and volunteers willing to help. Funding from grants, churches, organizations, and individuals allowed BES to purchase food, first aid supplies, and other essentials.

A long-term goal of Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering was to secure a single-site location in downtown Bethlehem, where all services for homeless men and women could be provided under one roof. This dream became a reality in 2017, thanks to the generosity of Christ Church United Church of Christ, which embraced a partnership with BES. They provided a significant portion of their facility, including a kitchen for cooking and serving, a dining area for fellowship, and separate sleeping dorms for men and women.

Today, the need for sheltering the homeless remains critical. The ongoing community effort to provide a safe haven during the bitter cold of winter continues, with the hope that fewer individuals and families will require these services in the future. Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering, in collaboration with churches, civic organizations, and local businesses, remains committed to serving 'the least of these.'

Impact

Over the years, Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering has successfully provided shelter to hundreds of individuals, preventing them from freezing during the coldest months. The organization has grown from a few churches to a network of 12 churches and numerous volunteers, offering essential services and support to the homeless community in Bethlehem.

Make a Difference Today

Join the fight against homelessness in Bethlehem. Donate cryptocurrency or cash today to help provide shelter and support for those in need. Every contribution counts!

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