Foundation grant supports efforts to shelter the homeless here
LOCK HAVEN – Two local shelters that help homeless people get back on their feet are – sadly – constantly full.
To help meet the need, the Clinton County Housing Coalition applied to the Clinton County Community Foundation for a grant to upgrade the water system for the comfort of residents atits two shelters.
The Foundation, through its annual program, awarded the Coalition a $5,300 grant for installation of a new hot water system at the Life Center Shelter and Merit House Shelter.
The Life Center Shelter is a Coalition program that shelters up to 14 people consisting of single women and families, explained Keisha Conway, the Coalition’s senior care navigator.
“To be considered for the Life Center program, we must receive referrals through Coordinated Entry (211). All referrals are sent directly to our agency through CE Specialists and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).”
The Clinton County Housing Coalition is an active partner in the Eastern PA Continuum of Care’s “Connect to Home” Coordinated Entry System.
If a person is experiencing homelessness, is at imminent risk of becoming homeless, or is fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, they can dial 2-1-1 or TEXT their zip code to 898-211 to be connected to a coordinated entry specialist who will assess their needs.
Care navigators continually monitor the system for referrals to CCHC programs.
The Merit House Shelter also is a Coalition program that shelters single men only.
Conway explained that the Merit House is a “drop in” style program. Hours for intake are 6 to 8 pm.
“Coordinated entry referrals are not required for the Merit House. Clients are expected to call 211 for CE assessment during their shelter stay,” she said.
The Coalition seeks to “build stable, self-sufficient families and individuals.”
The nonprofit agency’s work is life-saving … and is continuous.
“We are continuously full at both of the shelters and need the community’s help to keep things going strong. Donations, attending fundraisers and spreading awareness are a few ways that others can help us,” Conway said.
The Clinton County Housing Coalition is a non-profit social service agency founded in 2007 by concerned members of local churches and agencies who came together to address housing and homelessness.
In 2008, the group formally incorporated, and in 2010, it received 501(c)(3) non-profit organization status from the IRS. The corporation has assembled a Board of Directors selected from key human service providers throughout the community.
To find out more, go online to www.cchousingcoalition.org.
Meanwhile, the Foundation’s window for accepting grant applications for 2024 is open.
The deadline for receiving grant applications is Friday, Dec. 15.
Applications – with guidelines – can be found online at www.clintoncountyfoundation.org. Click on the “Grants” link.
Or send an email to cccf@clintoncountyfoundation.org, or call 570.220.1038.
The Clinton County Community Foundation encourages all eligible nonprofits and municipal subdivisions to apply for a grant to help Clinton County and its residents.
