City allocates million to combat homelessness with new shelters
September 10, 2024 | Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania
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During a recent city council meeting, discussions centered on the allocation of $1 million in funding to support homeless services through two nonprofit organizations: Downtown Daily Bread (DDB) and Christian Churches United (CCU). The funding aims to enhance emergency shelter services in Harrisburg, addressing the pressing needs of the homeless population as winter approaches.
DDB is set to receive $500,000 to operate a year-round emergency overnight shelter for up to 50 individuals, providing essential services such as meals and case management from October 2024 until December 2026. Meanwhile, CCU will also receive $500,000 to run an overnight shelter for up to 25 women and nonbinary individuals, with operations commencing on November 1, 2024. This shelter will be located in partnership with Grace United Methodist Church and will include staffing for adequate supervision and support.
Council members raised questions regarding the selection process for these organizations, with some expressing concerns about the repeated funding of the same entities. Councilman Rodriguez highlighted the need for transparency in how funds are allocated and spent, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that resources reach those most in need. He noted that while DDB and CCU have the capacity to serve, there are numerous other organizations in the community that also provide vital services but may not receive similar funding.
The council acknowledged the ongoing challenges of homelessness in the city, with members advocating for a more equitable distribution of resources among various organizations. They recognized that while the funding is a significant step, it does not fully address the broader issue of homelessness in Harrisburg.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions on the allocation of funds and the potential for additional support for smaller organizations that assist the homeless population in different capacities. The council plans to revisit these topics in future sessions to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness in the community.
DDB is set to receive $500,000 to operate a year-round emergency overnight shelter for up to 50 individuals, providing essential services such as meals and case management from October 2024 until December 2026. Meanwhile, CCU will also receive $500,000 to run an overnight shelter for up to 25 women and nonbinary individuals, with operations commencing on November 1, 2024. This shelter will be located in partnership with Grace United Methodist Church and will include staffing for adequate supervision and support.
Council members raised questions regarding the selection process for these organizations, with some expressing concerns about the repeated funding of the same entities. Councilman Rodriguez highlighted the need for transparency in how funds are allocated and spent, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that resources reach those most in need. He noted that while DDB and CCU have the capacity to serve, there are numerous other organizations in the community that also provide vital services but may not receive similar funding.
The council acknowledged the ongoing challenges of homelessness in the city, with members advocating for a more equitable distribution of resources among various organizations. They recognized that while the funding is a significant step, it does not fully address the broader issue of homelessness in Harrisburg.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions on the allocation of funds and the potential for additional support for smaller organizations that assist the homeless population in different capacities. The council plans to revisit these topics in future sessions to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness in the community.
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