Off The Streets Lancaster PA
Despite the heat, weather alerts and the Fourth of July holiday, some of America’s finest models of charity and generosity showed up at our warehouse and worked together to allow 9 Neighbors – 3 women, a young man and 5 children – to lay their heads on their own pillows the night of America’s 250th Birthday! All three moves July 4 were to Ephrata and beyond. Move 1 was a single woman starting her first apartment. The constant smile on her face was a great indication of her happiness, although she was mostly quiet, only saying “Thank You” many times. The apartment was a small one-bedroom. Ourexperienced and efficient team were sensitive to the size and activity of this move. Each room needed furniture. A full-size bed was perfect in her bedroom and allowed space for a dresser. A small table, 2 chairs, 3 matching rugs/runners and loveseat worked well in her living/kitchen area. After the moving crew left, we talked about how a quick move like this can be overwhelming but now she can relax and organize the space into her Home. Move 2 was east of Ephrata, a three-bedroom apartment on the second floor of an old farmhouse
Off The Streets Lancaster PA
Three more moves this week, and a lovely Saturday morning for it. Our first move July 11 was for a single mother with two daughters. We provided a couch, loveseat, two end tables and a coffee table because she had a nice, large living room. Her dining room had room for a table and four chairs with upholstered seats. We also provided her twin box springs and frames for the mattresses she had and a dresser. The younger daughter was excited to see the Hello Kitty bedspread and sheets. Miscellaneous kitchen and bathroom items were also provided. She was very thankful for everything. Another young single mother and son secured an apartment on the third floor in the city. She was most grateful for our assistance and asked only for living room furniture and kitchen items. Our team brought her a living room rug, couch, rocker, end table, lamp, TV table and TV. For the child’s room we brought a fan, hangers, pillows and a dresser. The kitchen required a microwave, microwave table, trash can, pots and pans. She was thankful and so very helpful with the move, pitching in wherever she could to help. We wish them well in
Off The Streets Lancaster PA
On June 27, Off The Streets had the assistance of a mighty crew of 12 young adults and kids from Mount Joy Mennonite Church. Josh and Cordell, Jenn, Ella and Kyla carried, lifted, lugged & hoisted furniture & household items, no matter the size, without missing a beat. Fearless Truck Captain Keith Miller orchestrated efforts with assistance of Paul who said yes when a second driver was needed, Erik Weibel, a seminarian lent much-appreciated help. A shoutout to Keith Weinlader for putting the bunk bed together and then disassembling it in preparation for the Move. These young workers deserve our applause: Evie, Abigail, Harper, Savannah, Reagan, Luke, Zach, Rylynn, Olivia and Cailyn. Their hard work and contagious enthusiasm on this rainy Saturday morning set examples for all. We divided into two teams, the first to help a Mother of 3 who received keys to her townhome only an hour before we arrived to preview. Her 2 young ones ran from room to room with excitement upon realizing they now have their own home. An 18-year-old daughter will help raise her brothers and provide financial help. The house was completely empty. With the help of community donations, we provided a full
Off The Streets Lancaster PA
Due to forecasted extreme heat conditions over the next several days, the Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition has declared a Code Red alert from July 1 at noon through July 4 at 8 p.m.
Even brief exposure to extreme heat can be life-threatening. Stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, seek shelter, and check on your neighbors.
A number of cooling centers are available to City residents during the Code Red alert. Visit lchra.com/our-organizations/homelessness-coalition/ to see the up-to-date list.
Call 911 if you are experiencing a heat-related emergency.
If you’re experiencing homelessness or need assistance, call 211 or visit pa211east.org.
Off The Streets Lancaster PA
We are one of the non profits included in GTGH. A person can give a gift to a friend or family member by making a donation to their favorite charity at any time! Gifts That Give Hope will host their annual event on October 10 at the Farm and Home Center. Choose a gift now, or come to the event in October. We will be there!
Off The Streets Lancaster PA
On June 20, Move 1 was for a couple who needed only a queen bed, microwave stand, rug, hangers, bowls, coffee mugs, and food box. These donated items will help provide both comfort and functionality as they establish their new home. The couple expressed appreciation for the support. Move 2 was for a mom and three children. They received a queen mattress, bunk bed, twin bed, three dressers and nightstand for the bedrooms. For the living area, the family received a sofa, loveseat, end table, television with TV stand, one floor lamp, three table lamps and a rug. Additional items included a kitchen table with four chairs, bed, bath and kitchen essentials, toaster oven, seven tension curtain rods with curtains and hangers. These furnishings and household goods will help create a comfortable, functional, and welcoming home for the family. They expressed sincere gratitude for the everything. Move 3 was for a couple and two daughters. They received three living room chairs and coffee table. Bedroom furnishings included a full bed, a bunk bed, nightstand, end table and bookcase. The family also received a rug, bed, bath and kitchen essentials, large trash can, microwave, crockpot, toaster, blender, coffee maker, one tension
Off The Streets Lancaster PA
Elizabeth and Jennifer from Inspiring Brushstrokes visited our preview team this week to bring us art boxes for the children we are assisting into permanent housing June 27. Imagine how our kids will treasure having their very own art box! Pictured in our warehouse are Inspiring Brushstrokes Founder Elizabeth Roberts with her Mom Jennifer Contes; Elizabeth with art box supplies; and, from left, Off The Streets Previewer Tina, Jennifer, Previewers Patti and Rosemary, and Elizabeth. Truly inspiring!
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