Off the Streets Now, Lancaster PA

3 days 12 hours ago

July 12 dawned hot and humid, no surprise given the summer we’ve been having! But for those Off The Streets Lancaster served, it also dawned with hope and a meaningful example of good people doing great things for others! Thanks to our Truck Captain Steve, his wife Cecile, Pam H, Nedra N, John & Amy L, Brenda H, Andrew B, Mike M and Gail S for your devotion to helping others on a very hot and humid Saturday morning! Our first family, and their son, had received some basic needs a few weeks prior, thanks to Deacon Mike and Bobbie S. In the meantime, they welcomed a sister and her two young children into their home. Bedroom and living room furniture and a dining table with benches and chairs provides them comfort and family gathering space to share their days. Thanks to our Geisinger Grant (Geisinger Danville), two area rugs provide safe crawling and toddling for the babies! A microwave, end tables, nightstands, bedding, towels and lamps, a first aid kit and a box of dry foods rounded out their move. Our single ‘senior’ was happy to finally have his own place, after waiting 6+ years on the LCHA list.

Off the Streets Now, Lancaster PA

5 days 23 hours ago

Three Moves were scheduled for this past week. For the first time that we can remember, 2 of them were in the same building. However, it did not result to our advantage, because we had to move one to Friday morning due to a work schedule conflict. Carolos and Brad immediately stepped up to help as the heavy lifters. Jim M and Keith assisted and the Move was completed by 10AM. “Anita” has a lovely efficiency apartment that we furnished with a small drop leaf table, 2 matching chairs, a beautiful floral loveseat, 2 lamps, dresser, TV, and small table. She was delighted with the new bedding for the bed that she had. She also had several kitchen items, but we completed the kitchen and bath with all the missing pieces. She was so appreciative and thrilled to have a place to call home. Saturday morning we returned to the same address, but on the second floor. We were able to provide this woman with a full bed, frame a mirrored nightstand, a lamp and all bedding for the bed. Her living room was spacious. We delivered a red couch with a chair that match nicely, as well as a

Off the Streets Now, Lancaster PA

3 weeks 4 days ago

God Bless America. A great group of dedicated Volunteers arrived at our warehouse on Saturday morning, the day after our Independence Holiday, and the middle of a holiday weekend, ready to assist 3 households with a hand up from homelessness. Thank you, Previewers & Volunteers for your selflessness🇺🇸 A Mom of 4 teens works as head caterer for a popular eatery, putting in many hours a week. Her 21 yr old, working full time, lives with her because she cannot afford the rent on her own. Two friends, who met at Water Street Mission, pooled their resources to afford a small third floor apartment. A family of four is finding their way back together, grateful for a real bed for their teen daughter, a toy box for their toddler, and a kitchen table where they can gather to share their days, their dreams and their accomplishments. Thanks to Chris A, our Truck Captain, who organized an eager group. Ed M drove a second packed van. Brad B and Dave F. loaded their trucks and set off for our Ephrata move. And Steve and Cecile F loaded their truck to assist our large Move. Carol E, Alicia K, Ted B, Kathy

Off the Streets Now, Lancaster PA

3 weeks 5 days ago

Friends, THANK YOU for the donations you are making on our behalf to CommunityAid. Don’t forget to use the Off The Streets donation number! We need your household items, but as you know, we cannot accept items such as mirrors, decor, clothing, shoes, accessories & the like. CommunityAid has made an important change however, that you should know. They will now accept your throws pillows, King sized bedding (we cannot), including King comforters & blankets. Read this note we just received: 1. We (CommunityAid) Can Now Accept Your Items with Padding! At the beginning of June, our donation centers were equipped with the necessary capacity to accept and sterilize items with padding and cushions. That includes pillows, quilts, sleeping bags, furniture items*, and more. These items, which we previously had to turn away or find alternative means of disposal, are now finding their way to our sales floor and into our shoppers' homes, where they get a second life! Review Our Updated List of Accepted Items at communityaid.org. 2. Credits are Moving from a Fixed Model to a Variable Model. Why are we making this update? The simple answer is that our needs are always changing. From season to season,

Off the Streets Now, Lancaster PA

1 month 3 hours ago

Our prep work for our Moves on Saturday was quite challenging the entire week, mainly due to the intense 90+ degree temperatures. However, I had a fantastic team to help me. There were 2 volunteers in training and 1 with experience to help us. Thank you to Jan, Ann and Nancy. You made the week enjoyable and gave great input as we visited our families. You helped to personalize each Move for our recipients, understanding their special needs. We unfortunately had a family not able to have their Move on Saturday. It has been rescheduled for next week. Once again, everyone was flexible with the last minute changes. Saturday came and luckily, the humidity dropped a little so it was bearable. We were led by Team Captain Andy W, and van driver Rocky. We were assisted by a large group of enthusiastic volunteers from Eastern Mennonite Junior High and their 4 chaperones. Andy made this a very successful teaching moment, giving insight to helping others who may be less fortunate than they. He also showed them how to successfully pack 3 Moves into one transit van! With that, everyone was able to go to all 3 Moves. Thank you to