Off The Streets Lancaster PA
The week of June 13 was one of several quick direction changes for our Off the Streets team. We are proud to say that all team members from management down to previewers and truck drivers responded with flexibility and the willingness to adapt to meet the needs of our neighbors. Many thanks to Brad, Ted, Effie, Denise, Joanne, John, Carlos and Maurice (some of whom are regular volunteers from Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church - Lancaster, PA, which has supported us tremendously over the years). Our first move was to a single man. When we met him, he was outside with a friend who saw our badges and mentioned that OTS helped him a couple years ago; he still has the furniture and was very appreciative. This is not an uncommon occurrence when we preview. Nevertheless, our man wasn’t comfortable having strangers in his home. He works Saturdays, our typical move day, and he didn’t like the idea of giving access to someone who could let us in. We weren’t quite sure how to proceed and we reached out to truck captain Brad to brainstorm solutions. Brad immediately said he and another volunteer, Ralph, would deliver the items the next day,
Off The Streets Lancaster PA
On a steamy Saturday, June 6, we had a small but mighty crew to help three Neighbors settle into new homes. In addition to the furniture and living needs, each family received food boxes generously donated by Brenda and Ken, first aid kits from Patient First and quilts made by Red Rose Quilters Guild. Move 1 was for a mother and 3 children. Initially she requested furniture items which she ended up securing by other means, so her move was simply household items. She received a vacuum, mop, bucket, cleaning supplies, microwave, hand mixer and bathroom needs. OTS paid her a security deposit. Because there weren't many items we delivered them during the week. She was appreciative. Move 2 was for a mother and 6 children ranging in age from 1-17 who moved from a relative's house to their new home. Her furniture needs were limited as she had things in storage. We provided 2 twin mattresses, 1 twin frame, 3 dressers, bed linens, air-conditioner and fan. For her bathroom we gave a shower curtain, mats, towels and waste can. Since her living room furniture didn't fit, we gave her a couch, large chair and floor lamp. We also provided
Off The Streets Lancaster PA
For Saturday May 30 moves, we had a group of 10 from Sageworth, financial trust company, join us. President Jim and Intake Manager Glenda stopped by to explain our mission and how we accomplish it. Previewer for the first move was Theresa and her brother Mike as truck driver. Six from Sageworth accompanied them on the move for a mother and her 2-year-old and 3-year-old. We took a sofa and chair with a desk for their living room – a desk with bookcase came in on Monday that was perfect! Mom asked for a smart TV. Jan’s neighbor was getting a larger one so he donated one for her. We also took a single mattress for when her third child visits on weekends. Mom also asked for some curtains for her bedroom. Karen’s friend donated a pair to OTS and Karen made them into two pairs to fit. Theresa's granddaughter donated her Bluey House to the kids. One of the ladies from Sageworth read one of the books that we took to the children. Previewers for Moves 2 and 3 were Karen and Jan. Truck captains were Jackie Fox and Brad Baumgardner. Four from Sageworth accompanied them. Move 2 was
Off The Streets Lancaster PA
For the first time ever, we delayed a Saturday move to wait for a baby’s birth. Read about Move 3! But first, a cold, windy, rainy Saturday morning didn’t dampen the spirits of our May 23 CanDo Crew! They brought their own sunshine to bless 9 people in Lancaster City homes, 4 adults and 5 children. Move 1 for Mom and her two children provided them beds, kitchen table, 2 living room chairs, bedding, love seat, TV table, end tables, nightstands, 2 dressers, air conditioner, lamps, towels, kitchen needs and a colorful living room rug. Thank you to the Hartmans who donated a Honda push mower so Mom can groom her postage stamp-sized backyard, and expand their living space. RoseAnn gifted her a sunflower to plant and enjoy! Move 2 delivered furniture and living needs for a couple that recently secured permanent housing. Their small apartment was outfitted with a full size bed, bedding, rug, dresser, loveseat, kitchen cart, TV, air conditioner, kitchen items and towels. Our final household welcomed a baby boy earlier than expected, just when we were scheduled to help them. Thanks to George and Brad, the “Now We Are Four” family were set up in their
Off The Streets Lancaster PA
A friend just shared this with us! There’s still time to go to Frogtown Cafe. Thank you so much!
Off The Streets Lancaster PA
Our Move May 16 for a man and child was to a basement apartment in Lancaster. He was living on the streets until he found this apartment by himself. Most items in his apartment had come from other’s trash; he was pleased with his resourcefulness. We brought him a gray leather loveseat, end table, lamp and rug for his small family room, and a white storage cabinet for the kitchen, a living needs box, trash can and throw rug for his sink. His son who visits often and needed a dresser and lamp for his room. Dad’s room was completed with bedding and lamp. We also supplied a fan for the basement apartment to circulate the air and portable heater because currently the apartment has no heat, though the landlord said it would soon be installed. Our next Move was to an elderly couple and child with limited mobility issues who have been living in numerous motels for a year. They were relieved to have found this row house they could afford. Off the Streets helped with the security deposit. A few items were left in the house by former renters and a sectional sofa was being delivered to them
Off The Streets Lancaster PA
Our moves on May 9 divided into three teams. Move 1 was for a gentleman who has a job at Lancaster General, a block away. His son visits weekends and a relative occupies one of 2 bedrooms on the 3rd floor of this rowhome. As often experienced, hallways were extremely narrow. The living room was a good size, but careful measuring proved a sofa would not fit through the entranceway. We made it cozy nonetheless with two upholstered chairs, a round table, braided rug, floor lamp and desk that doubled as a TV table. A dining table and chairs by the kitchen completed the living area. In the kitchen, we provided a microwave and cart to accommodate it. A relative sleeping on an air mattress was happy to receive a twin bed, nightstand, lamp and rug. The pinstripe coverlet and floral rug coordinated beautifully. The primary bedroom had ample closet space, so a chest of drawers was sufficient. A full size bed and a twin size bed fit nicely so when the child is there, he has a bed to sleep. We left books on his bed for his reading enjoyment. The dad works many hours. He was at work
Off The Streets Lancaster PA
Thank you for your patience. Toasters actually appear on the wishlist now. You can follow the post previously put up, and that follows here, and rest assured it’s all good.
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Friends, we have no toasters in the warehouse. If you have one to donate, directions to our warehouse are in the comments. If you'd like to purchase one, go to our website otslancaster.org and click on the Amazon wishlist. Be sure the mailing address reads Landisville for direct delivery. Thank you!
Need Help? Dial 211 (mobile) or 855-567-5341 Off The Streets provides hope and dignity to those experiencing homelessness by helping them transition to permanent housing. We assist persons referred by local social service providers with a security deposit and basic furnishings. We perform these task...
Off The Streets Lancaster PA
Eight people are comfortably housed in three homes thanks to moves May 2. We assisted a couple and child with a twin bed including bedding for it and their existing queen. They received a sofa, chair, dresser, air conditioner, fan, floor lamp, table lamp and rugs with pads. For the kitchen, we supplied a microwave, toaster, coffee pot, blender, tea kettle and large trash can. We also gave them towels, sheer curtains with tension rods, hangers and small trash cans,. We also assisted a single gentleman. He received a sofa, loveseat, end table, coffee table and lamp, dining room table and chairs. For the bedroom, we delivered a long dresser, tall dresser and lamp. He received towels and a shower liner. Finally, we helped a single mom and her 3 children. For the living and dining areas, they received a sofa, chair, end table, lamp, dining room table and chairs. For the kitchen, they received a microwave and stand, toaster, coffee maker and dish strainer. Mom and kids received beds and bedding, a dresser and nightstand. They received towels, a shower curtain set, bath rug, mop/broom/vacuum, hamper, hangers, over the door hangers, plastic storage chest for baby’s room, books and